A 28-year-old Douglas man has been convicted of assault causing actual bodily harm.

James Benjamin George Wright, of Marathon Avenue, pleaded guilty to the offence but disputes some of the facts of the prosecution case.

The case has been adjourned until Tuesday, July 25 so that discussions can take place between the prosecution and defence to decide whether a Newton Hearing, to settle the disagreement, will be necessary.

Prosecutor Michael Jelski told the court how, on July 1, Wright was in Jaks bar on Loch Promenade with his girlfriend and his father.

Police were called at 1.15am after Wright was said to have struck his girlfriend in the face, causing bruising and swelling.

Earlier in the evening the woman was said to have given Wright’s father a playful slap but other than that, the attack was said to be unprovoked.

However, Wright entered a basis of plea, which was rejected by the prosecution, saying that he had regularly been a victim of domestic violence at the hands of his girlfriend and that a short time before the incident she had struck him across the face.

Wright claimed that the woman had been verbally abusive and when he moved towards her to try to kiss her, to make up, she slapped him.

He said that there had been significant verbal and physical provocation. Bail continues.