A man who went to his neighbour’s house carrying a wooden bat to settle a grievance has been sentenced to community service.

Robert Glenn Blevins, of Clybane Rise, Douglas, banged on his neighbour’s door and tried to force his way in during a struggle.

He admitted offences of possession of an offensive weapon and provoking behaviour while two other charges of common assault and property damage were withdrawn.

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes ordered that 43-year-old Blevins do 140 hours of unpaid work and pay £100 compensation to his neighbour.

He was also banned from entering licensed premises and buying or being sold alcohol for six months.

Proscuting advocate Roger Kane told the court how Blevins arrived at the man’s door at Clybane Rise early in the morning on July 9.

He was ringing the bell and banging on the door until his neighbour opened it.

Blevins then began accusing the man of spreading false rumours about him that he had been drink-driving.

The man attempted to move Blevins, who fell onto the grass. Blevins then tried to force his way inside and pulled out a wooden bat which he had been concealing.

Blevins shouted ’come on, then’ as the pair struggled at the front door.

The man eventually managed to shut Blevins out and lock his door.

Police arrived and arrested Blevins who admitted taking the bat to the man’s house saying that he did so in case things became ’physical’.

He said he could not recall much of the incident as he had been drinking and placed himself as seven out of 10 when asked how drunk he was.

No injuries were caused but a door frame was damaged to the value of £100.

A probation report said that Blevins had acknowledged that he had problems with alcohol but was now receiving assistance and had stopped drinking.

Defence advocate Paul Glover said that his client would not oppose a licensing ban and had learnt a valuable lesson regarding what could happen when he drank to excess.

Mr Glover said that his client spent 36 hours in police custody due to him not being fit for court the following day.

’Maybe this was the wake-up call Mr Blevins needed,’ said the advocate.

The court heard that he has no previous convictions.

High Bailiff Mrs Hughes also ordered Blevins to pay £125 prosecution costs which he will pay, along with the compensation, at a rate of £10 per week, deducted from benefits.