Laxey man who assaulted woman after 'joke' spared jail

39-year-old found guilty after trial

A Laxey man has narrowly avoided being sent to prison after grabbing a woman around the neck and leaving her struggling to breathe.

Jamie Benjamin Andrew Cowell, of Glen Mooar, was found guilty of assaulting her following a trial.

The court heard the 39-year-old was ‘incredibly intoxicated’ at the time of the offence, on 20 September, and had perceived he was being excluded from a conversation.

Deputy High Bailiff Rachael Braidwood told Cowell the assault had been ‘seemingly unprovoked apart from a joke at your expense’.

“You still don’t accept your guilt. It’s clear alcohol and substance misuse is at the heart of your offending,” she added.

Imposing a 20-week custodial sentence, which has been suspended for two years, Cowell will also be under a Suspended Sentence Supervision Order.

He will also have to pay prosecution costs of £750 and compensation of £250.