A 21-year-old has been handed a suspended sentence after a double assault outside a nightclub in which one of his victims lost two teeth.

Jamie Patrick Devine, of Kensington Road, Douglas, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and common assault.

He was sentenced to 16 weeks’ custody for the first offence and eight weeks for the second, to run concurrently, but both suspended for two years.

Devine was also ordered to pay £1,500 compensation to his first victim and £500 to his second.

Devine disputed headbutting one of his victims.

Punch

Following a Newton hearing, the court ruled his favour and he was sentenced on the basis of a punch rather than a headbutt.

It also ruled that Devine’s victim in relation to the ABH charge had been an active part of the fight and not a peacemaker as he had claimed.

The incidents took place near the Outback in Barrack Street on January 6.

Defending Devine in court, advocate Louise Cooil said: ’There was a small degree of provocation in the Outback. There was an incident that Mr Devine wasn’t involved in.

’He then came into contact outside and there has been a verbal altercation which developed further.’

Ms Cooil explained there had been a melee involving 30 to 40 people.

’Things have escalated from what was a verbal altercation,’ said the advocate.

’There are two teeth that have been knocked out and he accepts he has punched hard enough to do that.’

Ms Cooil said that Devine was involved in football and boxing in the island.

A probation report assessed Devine as being of low risk of re-offending and of a medium risk of harm to the public.

’He would like to reassure the court this risk of re-offending is non-existent and risk of harm is non-existent also,’ said Ms Cooil.

Prosecutor Hazel Carroon told the court that Devine’s first victim would require £2,770 worth of dental work.

Passing sentence Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said: ’I accept there was some element of provocation inside but that is no reason to continue it outside.

’You should have just left things and gone on your way.

’It is perhaps fortunate nothing more serious happened.’

Mrs Hughes decided to suspend the sentence citing grounds of Devine’s young age, his lack of previous convictions, his remorse and his guilty plea as reasons.

He must also pay £125 prosecution costs.