A Douglas man has been convicted of common assault after admitting throwing a pint of beer over his estranged wife.

She suffered a bruise under her eye with swelling.

Sean Declan Ridout, aged 32, of St Catherine’s Drive, had denied the charge and a trial was set for Friday but he changed his plea on Tuesday and will be sentenced on May 29 after the preparation of a probation report.

Prosecutor Michael Jelski told the court how, on February 24, Ridout was in the Cat with no Tail pub with his estranged wife. She left but Ridout was then said to have texted her saying their children wanted to see her.

She said she waited outside so he could return with her to put the children to bed. But she said when she called him in the pub he hung up.

Ridout was said to have eventually come out carrying a near-full pint of beer and got into the car. She drove off and a row started between the pair during which Ridout was said to have thrust the pint glass towards her, striking her in the face with it as he attempted to pour the beer on her. He then got out of the car.

Ridout handed in a prepared statement denying hitting his wife. He said he was in the car when she unexpectedly drove off as he had intended going back to the pub.

Advocate Deborah Myerscough handed in a basis of plea in which Ridout said he had drunk about five pints and did not think his wife was coming back to the pub. He claimed she insisted he got in the car and was telling him off. Ridout said he did not feel the glass make contact with her but admitted he should not have thrown beer.

Ms Myerscough said Ridout had had some contact with Motiv8 and asked for a probation report before sentencing. Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said the report should consider all options including custody.