A 23-year-old Douglas man has been jailed for 16 weeks by Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes after spitting in the face of a court custody officer.

Jake Flood, of Peel Road, admitted the assault along with three other offences of provoking behaviour, using threatening words, and criminal damage and was also ordered to pay £250 compensation to the court officer.

Flood appeared at Douglas courthouse on September 5 but was denied bail and remanded in custody.

He was taken to the courthouse cells to await the arrival of a police van.

One of the court’s custody officers heard Flood kicking a plastic cup around his cell and wanted to confiscate the cup as there had been issues in the past with defendants using torn plastic strips from cups to hurt themselves.

The custody officer asked Flood for the cup but he said: ’If you want it you’ll have to come in and get it.’

Officers retrieved the cup without incident, however Flood then asked the custody officer: ’Do I get my phone call now or what?’

After being told the call could be made at the prison Flood swore, saying: ’Are you stupid? I need to let my mother know where I am.’

He then spat at the officer with the spittle landing on the side of his face and jacket.

The court heard that there are also outstanding warrants for Flood in Grimsby, relating to theft and common assault charges.

The incident which led to Flood’s court appearance occurred on September 3 when Flood was seen outside Douglas fire station grabbing his girlfriend’s face and pushing her backwards, before kicking her across the back of her legs.

Flood was arrested but swore at police shouting: ’Come on then, you and me over there.

’I’ll bite your throat out.’

Once at police headquarters Flood was said to have urinated in his cell.

He told police he was angry after going to the hospital saying he had broken his arm but being sent away.

Defence advocate David Reynolds told the court that his client had informed him he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and that he had issues with drugs and alcohol.

Flood said he had been coming down from using cocaine and cannabis when the incidents occurred. He said he moved to the island because his mother lives here, and he wanted to get away from drug dealers in Grimsby who tried to pressurise him into selling drugs.

After being sentenced Flood’s antics continued as he was taken from court laughing and bizarrely shouting: ’Two snowmen in a field, one says to the other can you smell carrots.’

He must pay the £250 compensation immediately or face a further 21 days in prison.