A teenager has been fined £350 after he claimed a ’good Samaritan’ deed ended up with him being arrested.

Joseph Patrick McDaid Foster, of Sumark Walk, Douglas, admitted being drunk and disorderly and was also ordered to pay £125 prosecution costs by High Bailiff Jayne Hughes.

Prosecuting advocate Barry Swain told the court that 18-year-old Foster had approached a group of men in Victoria Street, Douglas, on September 27 at 4.40am.

punch

CCTV footage outside Starbucks showed him confront the men, then throw a punch at one of them.

Police were called and one of the men was said to have a cut lip.

Foster was said to be slurring his words and smelling of alcohol.

When interviewed he gave ’no comment’ responses to questions.

Defence advocate Kate Alexander said: ’Mr Foster tells me, though he had been drinking, he has a clear recollection.

’He said he saw a friend’s girlfriend alone and phoned his friend to come and get her.

’He helped her get to Victoria Street where her boyfriend was going to pick her up.

’While waiting a group of people started behaving inappropriately making advances towards the woman. His position is, his behaviour was in defence of the young lady.

’We would suggest it was an act of a good Samaritan going slightly pear-shaped.’

Foster was ordered to pay the fine and costs at £50 a month.