An Isle of Wight man has avoided an immediate jail sentence after causing lacerations to his best friend’s head at a pub, fighting two of his neighbours and hurling extreme verbal abuse at police officers.

Daniel Stewert Farrell, of Spanners Close, Chale, attended the Isle of Wight Crown Court for sentencing on August 29.

Farrell previously pleaded guilty to assault occasioning grievous bodily harm with intent, common assault, assault by beating, assault of an emergency worker and using threatening, abusive or insulting words likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

Harry Garside, prosecuting, said the 46-year-old spent ten hours drinking at the Wight Mouse Inn in Chale with his best friend on August 26, 2022.

After a disagreement, Farrell smashed a pint glass and a wine glass into the back of his friend’s head, both of which smashed on impact, causing a one-inch laceration.

Mr Garside told the court Farrell returned home, where he was confronted by neighbours, after kicking the garden fence and shouting.

Farrell dragged one of his neighbours to the floor, calling him a homophobic slur, before throwing punches at a second.

While being taken to Newport Police Station, he hurled offensive remarks at two officers before kicking out at police on arrival at custody, said Mr Garside.

David Richards, defending, said the incident at the Wight Mouse was the latest example of two friends falling out and, in a police interview, the victim described his client as ‘the brother he never had’.

Mr Richards told the court Farrell’s conduct in the police van and at the station was ‘a(chǎn)ppalling, drunken, abusive behaviour.’

Farrell recalled wanting to put on some trousers but not being allowed, leaving him in underpants, said Mr Richards.

Describing himself as a ‘lightweight’ who cannot take his drink, Farrell has not touched alcohol since.

Recorder Richard Stead told Farrell he was extremely lucky that his friend’s injuries were not as serious as they could have been.

Farrell was handed an 18-month jail sentence, suspended for two years, and must pay a victim surcharge.

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