A Douglas man has been sentenced to 200 hours’ community service after punching his girlfriend in a pub.

James Benjamin George Wright, of Marathon Avenue, hit the woman in Jaks bar on Loch Promenade after he said she slapped his father.

He admitted an offence of assault causing actual bodily harm.

The 29-year-old was sentenced to community service as a direct alternative to 14 weeks’ custody and ordered to pay £500 compensation to the woman, as well as £125 prosecution costs.

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said: ’It was a gross overeaction. She had extremely significant bruising. It must have been some punch that you administered to her. References provided by your employer say, "Good staff like James are hard to find", and describe you as responsible and reliable.

’This paints a different picture to the person present at Jaks bar on the night.’

We previously reported how, on July 1, Wright was in Jaks with his girlfriend and his father.

Police were called at 1.15am after Wright was said to have struck his girlfriend in the face, causing bruising and swelling. Earlier in the evening the woman was said to have given Wright’s father a playful slap but other than that, the attack was said to be unprovoked.

Wright initially entered a basis of plea, which was rejected by the prosecution, saying that he had regularly been a victim of domestic violence at the hands of his girlfriend and that a short time before the incident she had struck him across the face.

Wright claimed that the woman had been verbally abusive and when he moved towards her to try to kiss her, to make up, she slapped him.

He claimed that there had been significant verbal and physical provocation.

Defending Wright in court, his advocate Roger Kane handed in two letters of reference for his client.

Mr Kane said: ’The main issue is how he struck her. He wasn’t aware what part of his hand it was. Perhaps it doesn’t matter if it was a closed fist or the side of his hand, he caused the injuries. He doesn’t seek to minimise his behaviour.

’When arrested he went without a fuss and spent the best part of three nights in custody.

’The basis of plea was rejected and later withdrawn and an agreed summary was put before the court. The relevant parts are primarily that it occurred after the complainant struck his father. She accepted a caution so it was accepted.

’But he does not seek to blame the complainant in any way and accepts his actions were disproportionate and unnecessary.

’He could have distanced himself and left the premises. In terms of injuries they are not the worst that can come before the court, bruising to the face.

’Nevertheless it would have caused pain and discomfort to the complainant. It was not a pre-meditated strike. It was one strike and not followed up.

’He has one previous conviction for common assault which occurred in the UK in 2008. It’s clearly a concern it occurred against a previous partner. He admits he struggles with emotions and would welcome any assistance. He doesn’t see himself as a violent person.

’It’s fair to say this was not a healthy relationship. It was volatile and that volatility was not one-sided.’

Mr Kane went on to say that if Wright went to prison he would lose his employment and his ability to provide for three children he has in England.