An apprentice roofer from Laxey has been handed a suspended sentence after brandishing a roof pick outside a pub and smashing his former boss’s car windows.

Joe Yeardsley, of Bay View Terrace, admitted three offences of possessing an offensive weapon, provoking behaviour, and property damage.

The 21-year-old was sentenced to 16 weeks’ custody, suspended for two years by Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes.

We previously reported how on Friday, January 5, at 10.40pm, police were called to the Manor pub in Douglas after a report of a man possessing an offensive weapon.

Damage had also been caused to a Citroen Berlingo in the pub car park.

A witness said they heard glass smashing in the car park and saw a man running away from the vehicle which had four windows broken.

Aggresive

CCTV footage viewed later showed Yeardsley holding a pick axe style hammer and acting aggressively in the car park.

He had left the area but was arrested the following day.

Defending Yeardsley in court his advocate David Reynolds said that his client had no previous convictions.

Mr Reynolds said: ’Mr Yeardsley was working for the complainant and handed in his notice as a result of feeling he was not getting the training he required.

’He thought he was leaving on good terms.

’Difficulties came when he was expecting his salary and it didn’t come. He contacted his ex-employer saying he was owed two weeks’ salary. Unfortunately it wasn’t forthcoming.

’This continued and he had no money. He continued to phone his former employer and felt he wasn’t being taken seriously.

’He contacted the aggrieved party and was invited over. He drove over, was angry and lost his temper. It was the build up of frustration over a number of weeks.

’He accepts he’s crossed the line. He works six days a week and is quite active in motorcycle racing on the island. At times he has represented the island.

’Clearly this kind of behaviour being reported is not what he wants to be known for.’

Mr Reynolds went on to say that Yeardsley had secured another apprenticeship since the incident.

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes told Yeardsley while passing sentence: ’This was way over the top in terms of reaction.

’I’m told staff at the pub had to hold you back and but for their actions the situation may have been worse.’

Yeardsley was also ordered to pay £348 compensation for the car windows and £125 prosecution costs.