A 42-year-old Willaston man has been convicted of assault causing actual bodily harm and disorderly behaviour on licensed premises.

Gary John Dale, of Snaefell Road, admitted both offences and will be sentenced on February 22 after the preparation of a probation report.

Prosecutor Barry Swain told the court how, on December 23 at 12.45am, police were called to Samuel Webb’s bar in Chester Street, Douglas, after a report of an assault.

When officers arrived they found a man bleeding. He told them that he had been assaulted. Dale was identified as the culprit and made off from the scene but was stopped by police.

He was said to have blood on his clothing.

Dale was interviewed by police and said that he could not remember what had happened due to his intoxication. He said he could only remember someone being on his back.

He was bailed by police and attended for a second interview on a later date when he was shown CCTV footage of the incident.

The footage showed Dale strike out at the victim who fell to the floor. A scuffle was then seen during which people tried to restrain Dale, however he was then seen kicking the man on the ground to the head.

The court heard that the incident had been sparked by a spilled drink. The victim said Dale spilled drink on him and then would not apologise.

The victim said Dale had pushed him, punched him in the face then kicked him. He was said to have suffered a broken nose and swollen eye as a result of Dale’s assault.

Defending Dale in court, his advocate Paul Glover said: ’Rather than a punch, it was more of a shove. A push to the floor but he doesn’t deny the kick and accepts the injuries.’

Bail was granted until sentencing with conditions that Dale reside at his home address and liaise with probation services.