A man who assaulted his victim at a garage forecourt has admitted a charge of affray.

Edward Robert James McBride, of Marathon Drive, Douglas, appeared before magistrates last week.

He will be sentenced on October 31 after a probation report has been completed.

The male victim was punched twice, once in the face, and fell to the ground each time.

The incident happened at the EVF garage on Peel Road, Douglas, on September 2.

Prosecuting advocate Rebecca Cubbon told the court that McBride was in a car at the EVF garage on Peel Road in Douglas on September 2 with another man and woman.

Two other men were on the forecourt and McBride was said to have got out of the vehicle and approached one of them.

He then punched the man in the face causing him to fall to the ground.

The victim was helped up by another man.

There was then said to have been a further altercation during which McBride again struck the same man, this time from behind, sending him to the ground again.

Arrest

The whole incident was captured on the garage’s CCTV.

McBride was later found and arrested at his home.

When interviewed he gave ’no comment’ responses to all questions.

Ms Cubbon, aged 22, submitted that the case was suitable to be sentenced in summary court.

Defence advocate Paul Rodgers said that the victim was standing within seconds of being punched, as it had been previously suggested that he lost consciousness.

’There is a related previous matter from a number of years ago,’ said the advocate.

’He has done his best to turn his life around.’

Mr Rodgers went on to say that McBride had suffered mental health issues throughout his life and had been diagnosed with a disorder.

He continued: ’On this occasion he had drunk too much and was acting out of character.

’He wishes to write a letter of apology to the people involved.’

Magistrates ordered that the probation report consider all options including custody.

Bail was granted with a condition to contact probation.