A Douglas man has been jailed for 12 weeks after smashing glasses and breaking a window in a pub and causing it to close early.

Donal John Tobin, of Marathon Drive, had to be restrained at the Old Market Inn in Douglas after he started throwing glasses at the barman when he was refused a drink.

The pub had to close at 9pm after 41-year-old Tobin broke the window and smashed a decanter and numerous glasses during his rage.

He pleaded guilty in a magistrates’ court to being drunk and disorderly and property damage and was also banned from licensed premises and purchasing or being sold alcohol for six months.

Prosecutor Barry Swain told the court how Tobin had been drinking in the front bar of the Old Market Inn during the afternoon on January 28.

The barman served Tobin at 8pm but told him it would be the last drink he would serve him as he was concerned about his condition.

Tobin was said to have become emotional, displaying anger but then seeming on the verge of tears.

He was said to have been drinking cans of lager but then moved on to spirits, having approximately seven vodka and cokes.

The barman told police that Tobin had not seemed drunk but seemed to be getting more excitable and that he had concerns that he may have taken something in addition to the alcohol.

At 8.15pm Tobin appeared to be leaving but then went into the rear bar of the pub and tried to get served again.

The same barman tried to talk to him but Tobin was said to have thrown a glass in his direction. He then picked up a large decantor and a number of glasses and started throwing them, with the barman ducking to avoid them. Tobin broke a window in the process and was restrained on the pub floor by another customer but then left the pub.

It was estimated that the value of the damage caused was £400 with loss of earnings from closing said to be £500.

Tobin was asked to attend police headquarters and did so voluntarily on February 6, saying that he was embarrassed and ashamed and wanted to apologise to everyone involved.

Defence advocate Paul Rodgers said: ’Mr Tobin has been very depressed and was at the time of the offence. He became intoxicated and reacted inappropriately.

’This is a man who has issues with drugs. He has taken heroin for some time and tried to wean himself off it. He’s working with the Drug and Alcohol Team but he’s not in a good place.’

Magistrates’ chair Gill Eaton said: ’Those that work on licensed premises do a very difficult job, particularly dealing with those who have drunk more than they should have.’