A Douglas man has been fined £200 after punching a hole in a door at his ex-partner’s home.

Karl Francis Kelch, whose age was not given in court, admitted an offence of property damage and was also ordered to pay £125 prosecution costs.

Prosecutor Rebecca Cubbon told the court that police were called to an address in Barrule Road on October 21 at 8.25am.

The female occupant was outside and said that Kelch had punched a door inside causing damage during a row.

He was arrested and told police officers: ’I did punch the door but she was waving a knife at me. I rang you, I want to listen to the 999 call.’

In court, advocate Paul Glover entered a basis of plea on behalf of Kelch saying that he had hit out at the door in frustration and had not been aggressive towards the woman.

He said that the damage had been caused recklessly rather than intentionally.

Mr Glover, of Clifton Terrace, said that Kelch’s last offence was in 2017, a common assault involving the same woman. Emotions have got the better of him,’ said the advocate.

’He has taken the lesser of two evils and has decided to vent his emotions on the door.

’The situation could have been a lot worse.’

Mr Glover added: ’He has remained out of trouble for two years.’

Mr Glover said his client had offered to pay for the damage to the door, which is owned by Douglas Corporation, and that he had spent nearly 24 hours in custody after the offence.

Magistrates ordered Kelch to pay the fine and costs at a rate of £10 per week deducted from benefits.