A Ballasalla man has been handed a six-month conditional discharge after he attempted to breach an alcohol ban.

Kenneth Andrew O’Connell, of Crossag Close, admitted he had attempted to breach an order prohibiting him from entering licensed premises and purchasing or being sold alcohol.

Prosecutor Hazel Carroon told the court how, on January 31 at 5.25pm, O’Connell had entered Newby’s in Glen Falcon Terrace in Douglas and tried to buy Strongbow cider.

The manager, who was serving him, recognised him from shop’s banning book.

He asked O’Connell for his name and then showed him the entry in the banning book.

O’Connell asked when the ban ended and was told that he was banned until May. He then left the store.

The court heard that O’Connell had also been accused of common assault relating to a separate incident on February 9.

However, he was acquitted when the prosecution offered no evidence before the conclusion of a trial.

Defence advocate Roger Kane said: ’My client spent three months and 21 days in custody awaiting trial for an offence he didn’t commit. If he hadn’t been facing that allegation the breach would have been dealt with.’

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said that, taking this into account, a conditional discharge was appropriate.