Boy punched police officer in the face, court hears

He'll appear again in juvenile court after Port Erin confrontation

A teenager who was part of a huge mob that surrounded police officers and shouted abuse has appeared in court.

The boy can't be identified because of his age, but is from Douglas.

He appeared before Deputy High Bailiff Christopher Arrowsmith at Douglas courthouse, but didn't enter a plea to charges of assaulting a police officer and using provoking behaviour.

Prosecution advocate Hazel Carroon told the hearing police were called to Port Erin's breakwater at 8:15pm on 12 August when two men were said to be fighting.

When officers arrived and arrested the two men, a gang of around 30 children gathered, shouting and swearing.

The hearing was told the Douglas boy physically confronted one officer shouting "do you want me to smack you?" and "touch me and I'll slap you".

He then punched one of the officers in the side of the face before running off, but was arrested nearby.

He was granted bail in the sum of £250, and is next due to appear at a juvenile court on 19 August.