A MAN who battered security guards at a Bournemouth supermarket in an attack witnessed by children has been spared a prison sentence after a judge heard he is a "role model" to others.

Marcus Jarvis repeatedly punched one security guard in the face before biting his colleague Benjamin Horgan during an incident at Asda in St Paul's Road.

Police were called to the store shortly before 3.45pm on February 5. Jarvis' assault was seen by at least a hundred shoppers, it is believed.

In October, a sentencing hearing was deferred on the grounds that Jarvis not commit any further offences.

Just three days later, he launched an unprovoked attack on a stranger during a train journey to Bournemouth.

Michael Mason, prosecuting at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday, said Jarvis, 29, is responsible for a number of offences since his boyhood.

The assault at Asda took place after Jarvis allegedly tried to leave the store with a crate of Stella and three magazines without paying.

"[Jarvis] became aggressive," the prosecutor said.

"He punched [the first victim] three to five times, kicked him and kneed him several times.

"A member of the public, Keith Rhodes, tried to help. Both men then managed to restrain him and put him to the floor."

However, Jarvis was able to get up again. He threw more punches before Mr Horgan then stepped in.

"Mr Horgan received a bite to his underarm," Mr Mason said.

"Jarvis said, 'I'm going to stab you'. He punched Mr Rhodes in the face."

None of the victims were seriously hurt.

The defendant, who made no comment to all questions during his police interview, admitted affray, actual bodily harm, two counts of assault by beating, possession of cannabis and possession of cocaine in connection to the incident.

Days after his sentence was deferred on October 17, he attempted to wrestle a stranger to the ground as a train pulled into Bournemouth station.

The court heard he was "out of it" and visibly swaying when he boarded the train at Pokesdown.

Judge Stephen Climie heard Jarvis volunteers for charity Reach, but turns "very nasty" after drinking or taking drugs.

Probation service officials say he is not dependant on alcohol or drugs.

"As I told you three days before the train incident, if you kept out of trouble, I would not send you to prison," Judge Climie told the defendant.

"The probation service suggests a drug rehabilitation requirement (DRR). I know from my experiences of dealing with these sort orders that, far from being - as they are perceived by some - to be the straightforward option, they are about as tough a regime as you can get, and tougher than many courses in custody."

Jarvis, who admitted assault by beating and criminal damage in connection with the incident on the train, as well as unrelated charges of being drunk and disorderly, actual bodily harm and the commission of a further offence during the operational period of a suspended sentence order, was given a six-month DRR by the judge as part of a two-year community order.

He must also carry out 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days and pay a total of £400 in compensation to his victims.

As he left the dock, Judge Climie said: "Be under no illusions: this is your last chance."