A man who pulled his former partner out of the bath by her throat has been sentenced to 200 hours of community service.

Angus Stuart Galloway, of College Green, Castletown, had pleaded not guilty to common assault and damaging property but was found guilty by High Bailiff Jayne Hughes after a trial.

The 33-year-old was said to have been enraged by the woman taking their children away over Christmas without telling him.

Galloway damaged the woman’s phone after throwing it to the ground during the incident which took place on January 2 and was said to have resulted in the woman being outside her house dressed only in a towel.

He had previously pleaded guilty to an offence of provoking behaviour but denied the other two offences.

Mrs Hughes also ordered Galloway to pay £700 compensation to the woman plus £1,450 prosecution costs.

Defence advocate Deborah Myerscough said: ’Mr Galloway can’t change the past but he does have the ability to change the future and conduct himself in a way more conducive to having a relationship with his ex-partner.

’He has voluntarily taken up some work with a social worker.’

Ms Myerscough went on to say that Galloway would lose his accommodation and ability to make maintenance payments if he was jailed.

A probation report assessed Galloway as a low risk of re-offending and of harm to the public.

The court heard that he has no relevant previous convictions but a caution for an assault in 2010.

High Bailiff Mrs Hughes told Galloway: ’Whatever the reason for your anger it wasn’t justified.

’You are very close to a custodial sentence.

’I warn you if you breach this order it would be extremely difficult for any advocate to argue that you shouldn’t be sent to immediate custody.’

Galloway was sentenced to 160 hours of community service for each of the common assault and property damage charges to run concurrently, and 40 hours for the provoking behaviour, to run consecutively.

He must pay £200 compensation for the phone and £500 for the assault on the woman.

Galloway will pay all the amounts at a rate of £200 per month.