A man spent Christmas Eve in custody after being drunk and disorderly and spitting in a police officer’s face.

George Alan Moore, aged 69, of Quine’s Corner, Douglas, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly as well as assault and will be sentenced on February 19 after a probation report has been completed.

Prosecutor Rebecca Cubbon told the court how, at 2.50pm on December 24, police were called to Ridgeway Street in Douglas after a report of Moore banging on a door. The occupant of the address said that Moore was drunk and being aggressive.

When police arrived he was slurring his words, unsteady on his feet, and had glazed eyes. He was asked to move away from the property but told police he first wanted to punch the occupant.

The occupant said he sometimes let Moore in his house but asked him to leave after he smashed his hands on to a keyboard. He said Moore had attempted to assault him when he had opened the door.

Police arrested Moore but he began swearing and clenching his fists, then spat in the face of one officer.

As he was taken to custody he told police he would kill someone.

Defence advocate Paul Glover asked for a probation report before sentencing.

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes ordered the report consider all options, including custody.

Bail was granted with a condition that Moore reside at his home address.