A 29-year-old man has been given a two-year conditional discharge for being drunk and disorderly.

Michael Robert Asbridge, of St Catherine’s Close, Douglas, admitted the offence and was also ordered by High Bailiff Jayne Hughes to pay £125 prosecution costs.

Prosecuting advocate Roger Kane told the court how police saw Asbridge in Market Street in Douglas at 11.55pm on July 4.

He was said to be unsteady on his feet and swearing but was persuaded by officers to leave the area.

He headed off along Wellington Street but continued to be belligerent towards police who followed him in their van.

Asbridge then stood in front of the van and refused to move.

When spoken to again by police he refused to give his address and began swearing which eventually led to him being arrested.

Defence advocate Michael Mudge said that his client had been out with friends on the night in question.

’It was his first night out since lockdown and he admits he got over-excited and drank too much,’ said the advocate.

’He apologises for wasting police time and the court’s time. It was foolhardy and childlike.

’He is embarrassed to be here. It has made him rethink his relationship with alcohol and reduce his drinking.’

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes told Asbridge that she would treat the offence as a one-off and had taken into account his guilty plea.

He must pay the £125 prosecution costs by August 21.