A Ramsey man has been convicted of two offences after a row over his mother.

Lee John Thorpe, aged 38, of The Corony, admitted damaging property and behaviour likely to cause belief that violence may be used.

He will be sentenced on November 30 at 2.30pm in summary court after the preparation of a probation report.

Prosecutor James Robinson told the court how, on October 3 at 10.50pm, Thorpe went to a man’s house in Tent Road, Laxey.

The man said he was in his living room with a friend when he heard a loud bang at his front door then a smashing sound. He also reported hearing Thorpe say words which he thought were: ’I’m going to kill you’, and recognised his voice. He said he saw Thorpe outside in the yard holding a piece of wood in each hand and shouting: ’You’ve hit my mum’.

The man said he picked up a meat cleaver and Thorpe banged the pieces of wood together, shouting: ’Come on then.’

The lower part of the front door was said to have been damaged, with a small pane of glass broken, and the bolt on the door was said to be bent. Thorpe left but was later spoken to by police and admitted he had been at the Tent Road address.

He said he had heard from others the man had assaulted his mother. He admitted he had listened at the door before banging heavily on it.

He claimed the man tried to grab him and threw a piece of wood at him, which he then threw back. He admitted saying to the man: ’You hit my mum and I’ll have you.’

Thorpe said he then realised it was a mistake to take on a man with a meat cleaver so he left the address, but admitted he may have damaged the bolt. He said he did not think the glass was broken and claimed that could have been done after he left.

Bail was granted.