An assault victim suffered a cut eye and bruising to his chest and legs in an incident at the Woodbourne pub, in Douglas, during TT.

Michael William Steven Hanger, of Victoria Street, Douglas, punched his victim several times and admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and affray.

The 30-year-old appeared before High Bailiff Jayne Hughes for sentencing on Tuesday and was jailed for 18 weeks.

It was said that Hanger’s attack on the man had resulted in his victim suffering a cut eye and bruising to his chest and legs.

The court heard that Hanger was fined in April, just over a month before the latest incident, for a common assault, although that offence was committed in May 2018.

Overreacted

The latest incident occurred on June 1 at 8pm when the Champions League final between Liverpool and Tottenham was being shown at the pub.

We previously reported how two men said they were sat in the corner of the pub when there had been some banter about a seat which a regular sat in.

One of the men went to the bar and said he suddenly felt pain in his ribs as he was punched by Hanger several times.

Another man separated the two men and CCTV footage captured in the incident.

When interviewed Hanger told police he had been defending his friends but admitted punching the victim two or three times.

He said he had felt threatened but when shown the CCTV admitted he had overreacted.

He said that the eye injury had been caused by the victim falling over.

Defence advocate Matthew Wilshaw said that the victim had rugby tackled a friend of Hanger’s which had then prompted Hanger’s attack, describing it as defence of another.

The court heard that Hanger was fined in April, just over a month before the latest incident, for a common assault, although that offence was committed in May 2018.

Red mist

Mr Wilshaw said: ’Mr Hanger wishes to apologise to the victims.

’The complainant got into an altercation with his friend. It wasn’t pre-meditated, the red mist has descended.’

He added: ’Mr Hanger is on gardening leave from his current job but had been offered employment by another firm.

’However, should he be sentenced to custody that job will not be held open for him.’

Mr Wilshaw went on to say that his client had been to see Motiv8 addiction services charity since the offence had been committed.

’He has identified alcohol as the root cause of the issue,’ Mr Wilshaw said.

’He has lived here for 17 months and now has a girlfriend.

’The social inquiry report highlighted anxiety and loneliness but it is my submission now he has employment and a girlfriend perhaps some of the risk factors are diminishing.’

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes told Hanger: ’These offences were committed just a couple of months after sentencing in April.

’No doubt you were remorseful on that occasion too.

’You told probation you were drinking but you could stand.

’Not only could you stand but you could carry out a serious assault.

’This was a serious incidence of violence on licensed premises, while intoxicated, just a month after sentencing for violence weeks after your arrival on the island.’

Mrs Hughes also banned Hanger from entering licensed premises and purchasing or being sold alcohol for a period of nine months.