Suspended prison sentence for Peel man who assaulted child

31-year-old's advocate tells court he had 'no excuse for his behaviour'

A Peel man who punched an 11-year-old child after a drunken argument has been handed a suspended prison sentence.

Ryan Lee Shepherd, of Kerroo Coar, also smashed her mother’s phone – and kicked the family’s puppy ‘in frustration’ – during an incident on 2 June.

During sentencing at Douglas Courthouse Shepherd's advocate said the unemployed 31-year-old had ‘no excuse for his behaviour’.

Shepherd had previously pleaded guilty to common assault and destroying property after an argument started at around 10.20pm - he'd been drinking all day. 

After complaining he was hungry, he became verbally abusive towards the young girl before throwing a kitchen chair which struck her on the arm.

Shepherd then punched her on the arm.

Shepherd’s advocate told the court: "Mr Shepherd’s behaviour on the night in question fell below the required standards. He understands he has a problem with alcohol."

“Mr Shepherd offers no excuse for his behaviour – he has no excuse for his behaviour.” James Peterson (advocate)

Describing the offences as ‘serious’ High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said the custody threshold had been passed.

Agreeing to suspend an 18-week custodial sentence for two years she also placed Shepherd under a two-year Suspended Sentence Supervision Order.

She also imposed a six-month licensing ban which was uplifted to 12 months at Shepherd’s request.