A man who admitted stabbing his brother with a knife has been jailed for three years and nine months.

Thomas James McBurnie, of Isle of Man prison, admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent in a public place while intoxicated.

The 22-year-old had also tried to conceal evidence by throwing his weapon into a nearby bush.

He appeared before Deemster Alastair Montgomerie for sentencing on Friday. Prosecutor James Robinson told the court that the incident took place on June 19 at 12.45am near Bedco in Bucks Road, Douglas.

Witnesses heard and saw three men arguing outside their homes. One witness called police after he saw McBurnie throw a punch which looked ’unusual’ and appeared to be in a ’stabbing motion’. The victim was seen collapsed on the floor with a wound on his side. The victim received help from a passer-by who put pressure on the wound - said to be ’significant’ - before being taken to hospital via ambulance.

Knife

He has since made a full recovery.

McBurnie was later arrested and taken to police headquarters where he gave a ’no comment’ interview. A knife was found in a bush in the area. DNA confirmed a match with McBurnie and his victim. The men had been to a family funeral that day and alcohol had been involved, the court heard.

Mr Robinson read a statement from McBurnie, in which said he admitted he had thrown a bottle of WKD at his brother, who had been acting aggressively towards him. ’I thought he was going to hurt me. I feared for my safety.’

The knife, McBurnie said, belonged to a colleague and it had been his intention to return it that day. He admitted stabbing his older brother, but said it was in self-defence.

Defence advocate Jane Gray shared statements from family and friends, including the victim, who said McBurnie had acted ’completely out of character’ and was a ’loving and caring individual’.

’There was no pre-planning in this offence,’ Miss Gray said. ’It was spontaneous and he has never done anything like this before. He does feel remorse and said he was feeling shocked in the aftermath of stabbing his brother.’

Deemster Montgomerie took into account McBurnie’s past convictions, including one for robbery.

He said: ’He was under the influence of alcohol at the time and was eight out of 10 on the scale of drunkenness. I do not doubt it had an affect on the incident. Every time you’ve been arrested, you’ve been pissed.’

The Deemster ordered a licensing ban for three years and six months.

’You attempted to conceal evidence, but I very much agree with your defence council that there was no sophistication in this, and your behaviour was witnessed by members of the public,’ he said.

’Your mum, brother - the victim - and grandmother all speak very highly of you. Consider yourself very fortunate that you still have their support and have it in mind for future that you don’t put that at risk. Your remorse is clear to me from your guilty plea and from what I’ve read in the social enquiry report.’

He said the actions of the person who helped the victim ’could have been life-saving for all we know’ and said they ’should be commended’.