A Colby man has been sentenced to community service after grabbing his ex-partner by the throat and punching her.

Steven Francis David Burns, of Station Park, Colby, was found guilty after a trial in summary court of common assault on a female after he had denied the offence.

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes sentenced the 28-year-old to 180 hours of community service and ordered him to pay compensation of £300 to his victim. He must also pay prosecution costs of £1,400.

Mrs Hughes told Burns: ’You were not in a relationship but this was at the very least a quasi-domestic situation. People should feel safe in their homes and with people they have invited into their homes.’

The assault took place at an address at Berrywoods Avenue in Douglas on February 16.

Burns was said to have pushed the woman off a bed while holding her by the neck then punched her on the right cheekbone while she was on the floor.

She suffered a swollen cheek, a slight red mark and tenderness and swelling round her eye.

Advocate Michael Mudge said that it had been six years since Burns’ last conviction.

’His previous convictions were between 2010 and 2013 in a spree when he was a young man. ’He states he went off the rails in a negative peer group. It is to his great credit that since that period he has turned his life around and not been in trouble.’

Mr Mudge went on to say that Burns had taken GCSEs while in prison previously and then a painting and decorating course at University College Isle of Man.

’He has been described as a good father who regularly sees his daughter and pays maintenance,’ said the advocate,’

’He wants to play a leading role in supporting her upbringing. He has been assured he can remain in employment but it is not clear if that will be the case if the court imposes custody.’

Mr Mudge went on to say that Burns had been caring for his mother after surgery.

’He does fully accept the result of proceedings. He does maintain his version but wishes to move on with his life. While there was a gripping around the throat, there wasn’t an allegation of strangling, it was a grip and a push. It wasn’t pre-meditated. It occurred and ended very quickly. It was a single punch to the face and wasn’t a repeated assault.’

The advocate reiterated that Burns was caring for his mother and would also not be able to pay maintenance if custody was imposed.

A probation report assessed Burns as a low risk of reoffending and medium risk of harm to others.

High Bailiff Mrs Hughes ordered Burns to pay the compensation and costs at a rate of £200 per fortnight.