A man who punched a teenager in the head has been put on probation.

David Spenser, aged 39, of Lakeside Gardens, Onchan, admitted common assault and was also ordered to pay his 17-year-old victim £500 compensation.

The offence was said to have taken place at a social gathering at an address in Berrywoods Grove in Douglas on May 16.

Spenser was said to have struck the teen on the side of the head after he had made comments about his ex-wife.

Defence advocate Peter Taylor said: ’Mr Spenser does deeply regret the actions that have brought him before the court. The parties are known to each other. There have been a few occasions when the complainant has made inappropriate comments.

’On the date in question, he again made similar comments and Mr Spenser told him to stop.

’Unfortunately the complainant put Mr Spenser in a position where he was angry, he wouldn’t stop making these comments. He was overwhelmed by emotions.’

Mr Taylor went on to say that the comments had been going on for weeks and this had played on his client’s mind.

’In one moment of madness he struck the young gentleman on the side of the head. He picked him up and apologised and left. He accepts he should not have reacted like that but we would submit there was a great deal of provocation.’

The court heard that Spenser was unfit for community service and was the sole carer for his mother.

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes sentenced Spenser to a two-year probation order and told him: ’I will sentence you on the basis this was not premeditated and was a result of you losing your temper.’

Spenser was also ordered to pay £125 prosecution costs.

He will pay the compensation and costs at a rate of £50 per month.