A Port Erin man has been put on probation after a row with his mother.

Michael James Watterson, of Ballakilley Close, admitted provoking behaviour and was made the subject of the 12-month order.

We previously reported that on December 30 at 5.38pm, 30-year-old Watterson called the emergency services, saying there had been an altercation at an address in Port Erin.

When police arrived they said that Watterson appeared to be drunk and he became verbally abusive.

He swore at officers, telling them where to go and said: ’I’ll go and get a hammer.’

Police eventually had to use Pava spray to restrain him as he flailed his arms and head around and kicked out.

Watterson was said to be subject to a suspended sentence at the time of the offence, which was imposed for driving while he was disqualified.

Defence advocate Kate Alexander told the court: ’The facts are accepted.

’However Mr Watterson’s mother was not frightened by his conduct.

’And he feels the police were a little heavy-handed in using batons to restrain him.’

The advocate said that Watterson had no intent to use a hammer despite the comment he made at the time.

She explained that her client had suffered bereavements recently, which had resulted in him waiting for an appointment with Cruse.

Ms Alexander said that her client had recently been allocated a Port Erin Commissioners property after being on the waiting list for 10 years.

Magistrates decided not to activate Watterson’s suspended sentence, saying that they accepted the incident was a ’cry for help’.