A former special constable who assaulted a Co-op staff member who refused to sell him booze has been put on probation for 18 months.

Ralph John Walker, formerly of Grosvenor Road, Douglas, was also later found carrying a kitchen knife after returning to the store.

The 49-year-old admitted offences of common assault and possessing a prohibited article in a public place and was also ordered to pay £250 compensation to the staff member.

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes also banned Walker from entering licensed premises, and purchasing or being sold alcohol for 18 months.

We previously reported that Walker was at the Co-op in Duke Street, Douglas on January 10 at 7.30pm.

Lager

He tried to buy some cans of lager but a staff member, who said Walker was quite drunk, called for the shop manager.

The manager recognised Walker and said that he had previously been banned from the store for aggressive behaviour.

Walker was asked to leave but refused and was said to have grabbed the manager’s arm and pushed him.

Walker then challenged the manager saying: ’Why don’t you and me take this outside?’ and raised his middle finger to staff.

Police arrived but Walker had left. However, they were called back to the Co-op at 9.40pm after staff reported that Walker was back and was stood in the doorway swearing at them.

He was subsequently arrested and when searched a nine-inch long kitchen knife was found in his bag.

When interviewed he denied the offences and said that he wasn’t drunk and that he did not recall any assault.

He claimed he had the knife in his bag because he was going to work on a fishing boat.

Painkillers

Defence advocate Paul Glover entered a basis of plea on behalf of his client in which Walker said that he had not been serious about offering the manager outside for a fight and that he had not raised his voice or shouted.

Mr Glover said Walker had been on painkillers at the time. ’He accepts it perhaps wasn’t the best idea to drink any alcohol while on medication,’ said the advocate.

Mr Glover went on to say that Walker was well-educated and had worked all over the world as well as previously being a voluntary special constable.

The advocate said: ’He has a rather unhealthy relationship with alcohol. It is perhaps a sad tale he’s ended up in this position.’

The court heard that Walker had spent 48 days on remand.

Mrs Hughes also ordered him to pay £250 prosecution costs.