A drunken argument escalated until it involved several members of the family, a court has been told.

Anthony James Scaddan’s partner ended up fleeing the house and taking refuge with her aunt, after the row on August 10.

Prosecutor Barry Swain said 23-year-old Scaddan’s partner also had a lump on her head when she went to her aunt’s house at about 9.45pm.

He told the court Scaddan’s partner refused any hospital treatment for the lump and also declined to make any formal complaint about the incident.

But when the aunt visited the house the same evening, to collect the couple’s daughter, who had remained there with her father, more disagreement erupted.

’The defendant grabbed the child and pulled her away,’ Mr Swain said.

Other relatives turned up and after a scuffle, they managed to eject Scaddan from the house at Seafield Avenue, Port St Mary, locking him out.

’I think drink was the overwhelming factor in this case,’ Mr Swain told the court.

The child was not injured, he added.

Scaddan, who was recorded in court as having no fixed abode, admitted using provoking behaviour on August 10.

Defending Scaddan, David Clegg said the defendant and his partner had been together for five years and their child was aged two.

’That relationship ended about a week or 10 days ago. He agreed to move out but would stay there in a different room until he had saved for a deposit on other accommodation,’ he said.

’The break up had hit him quite hard and he had been out drinking that night and that affected his behaviour. There was an altercation between them but he disputes that he assaulted her. He came off worst from the experience.’

After being restrained by family members, he said Scaddan had simply booked a taxi and left the scene.

’He regrets the incident and had he simply moved out, things would have been better,’ Mr Clegg said.

Passing sentence, Deputy High Bailiff, Jayne Hughes, said: ’You were intoxicated, which is the most aggravating factor. Your actions were not those of a responsible parent and you need to think about that for the future. However, I’m sure you do regret the incident.’

He was fined £750 for provoking behaviour and must pay costs of £125. He was also given a licensing act ban on buying or being sold alcohol for six months, but because of the requirements of his job, he is allowed to enter on-licensed premises.