A 23-year-old Douglas man has been sentenced to 100 hours’ community service after vandalising three cars and resisting arrest.

Christopher Lacey, of Castlemona Avenue, admitted the offences and was ordered to pay a total of £320 compensation to three car owners.

Police were called to Princess Street in Douglas at 12.25am on December 16 after a report of a man smashing car windows. A witness told police Lacey had been shouting in the street and was distressed and upset.

He had blood on his hands and face and a woman was seen trying to calm him down. He was located and arrested but began pushing against police, trying to get away, tensing his arms and struggling.

Lacey broke the rear windows of a Vauxhall Mokka and a Citroen Berlingo, and the side window of a Renault Clio.

In a police interview he told police he could not remember what happened and said cuts on his hands must have been from falling over.

He said he could remember the day but not the night due to his intoxicated state.

Advocate James Peterson said his client wanted to apologise to the victims, the court and the police who had to deal with him. He said Lacey wanted to apologise in person to the car owners if allowed.

Mr Peterson said: ’Mr Lacey had been at the funeral of a close neighbour. It hit him very hard. He also met up with a former girlfriend who gave him some somewhat negative news.

’He decided to drink and has little recollection of events. He was in drink and a highly emotional state and lashed out at the vehicles.

’It was out of character, he is not a violent person and not someone who drinks to the level he did on the day.’

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said: ’It’s clear you had a difficult day on December 16. You told probation you just "lost it" that night and you certainly did lose it.

’You caused enormous inconvenience and put vehicles out of action.’

Lacey was ordered to pay £125 prosecution costs.