A MAN who stole a car battery from Halfords returned because he took the wrong kind and ended up assaulting staff.

Curtis Rushton, 45, of Ashey Road, Ryde, returned to the store and was confronted by staff members, who saw him on CCTV.

He pushed Steven Mew and James Westlotorn and threatened to bite Mr Mew on the nose, gnashing his teeth, Vivian Ducie, prosecuting, said.

Eventually, Rushton was taken to the ground and pinned down while police were called.

For Rushton, Oscar Vincent said Rushton's partner was very sick at the time and he needed to get the battery so he would have use of his car.

An officer from the probation service said Rushton was on a suspended sentence for sending a threatening message and was showing little interest in working with the probation service.

The officer also said that Rushton suffered with a long-term addiction to class A substances and his behaviour was becoming increasingly violent.

Pleading guilty to two charges of assault by beating, Rushton was sentenced at Isle of Wight Magistrates Court to a three month curfew, keeping him home between the hours of 7pm and 7am.

He was also ordered to pay £50 to each person assaulted, £85 court costs and an £85 surcharge.