A 50-year-old man has appeared in court after threatening port staff at the Douglas Sea Terminal.

Homer Andrew Holmes, of Darragh Way, Anagh Coar, told staff he would ’smash their heads in’.

Former soldier Holmes admitted an offence of behaviour likely to cause belief that immediate unlawful violence may be used.

He will be sentenced on July 23 after a probation report has been prepared.

Prosecutor James Robinson said that Holmes arrived on the ferry at 9pm on Friday, June 21.

Police were called to the Sea Terminal after a report of him being drunk and abusive to staff.

The court heard that there was also an oustanding warrant for Holmes’ arrest due to non-payment of fines.

He was arrested and when interviewed gave ’no comment’ responses.

threats

Mr Robinson opposed bail, saying that Holmes had made serious threats to port security staff and it was highly likely this could result in a custodial sentence.

The court heard that Holmes has a previous conviction just over 12 months ago for the same offence, as well as common assault and property damage.

He was sentenced to community service for those offences after he punched a female youth worker outside the Albert Hotel in Douglas. Holmes said at the time he hit the woman in error as he had been trying to hit a man.

On Thursday, defence advocate Paul Glover asked for bail to be granted and said: ’Mr Holmes was highly intoxicated and would agree to a licensing ban. He is realistic about the sentence. He did pay off the fines on Monday. There was a mix-up, he thought he had paid the fines some months ago.’

Magistrates decided to grant bail in the sum of £500 with conditions that Holmes does not enter the Sea Terminal, does not buy or be sold alcohol or enter licensed premises, contacts probation and lives at his home address.