A 32-year-old man has pleaded guilty to assaulting his ex-partner causing her actual bodily harm.

Marc Andrew Joseph Taggart had his case adjourned for a week while a basis of plea is prepared by his advocate Matthew Wilshaw.

Prosecuting advocate Rebecca Cubbon told the court how police received a 999 call from Taggart’s former partner at an address in Barrule Road in Douglas on August 16 at 3.50am.

She said she had barricaded herself in her bedroom with her two children due to Taggart assaulting her.

When police arrived Taggart had left the property but the woman was said to be suffering from injuries to her face and elbow and was subsequently taken to hospital.

Despite a search of the area police could not find Taggart but later that morning, at 7.50am, he was arrested at his home address.

When he was arrested he told police: ’I’ve not done anything wrong. I’ve been in my room.’

Taggart’s ex-partner told police she had been out until 2am and he had been babysitting for her.

She said when she had arrived home he had grabbed her by the throat and thrown her on the floor, then kicked the side of her face.

She said he had also punched her twice to the side of the face.

When Taggart, who lives in Clarence Terrace, Douglas, was interviewed he gave ’no comment’ responses to questions.

A doctor’s report concluded that the woman’s injuries with her account of what had happened.

Prosecutor Ms Cubbon submitted that the case was too serious for summary court and should be committed to the Court of General Gaol Delivery for sentencing.

The court heard that Taggart has a conviction for assaulting a police officer in 2015.

Defence advocate Mr Wilshaw said that, although his client had pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm, some of the facts in the prosecution account were not accepted and a basis of plea would need to be prepared.

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes adjourned the case until September 15 and said that, if Taggart is sentenced on the prosecution facts, she would be committing the case to the higher court.

Mrs Hughes said that, if the facts cannot be agreed, it migh tbe necessary to hold a Newton Hearing.

The venue for sentencing will then be decided after the outcome of the Newton hearing.

Bail continues.