Suspended sentence for man who punched visitor in face

30-year-old tells victim he is 'disgusted' with himself

A Douglas man who punched a stranger in the face has been ordered to pay £1,000 in compensation.

Michael Trevor France, of Cronk Y Berry View, assaulted the visitor to the Island - causing actual bodily harm – on 22 May.

The 30-year-old lashed out after believing the man had made comments about his daughter – as well as causing an injury to his face he damaged the man’s glasses, blazer and shirt.

During sentencing at Douglas Courthouse France’s advocate told the court the Castle Street incident was an ‘impulsive act’ adding: “There was a degree of provocation in Mr France’s mind.”

The court heard France had written to the victim, who he assaulted at around midnight, telling him: “To say I’m disgusted with myself is an understatement.”

Sentencing him to five months in custody, suspended for two years, High Bailiff Jayne Hughes also imposed a two-year Suspended Sentence Supervision Order.

France must also pay prosecution costs of £250.