A Douglas man has been sentenced to community service after he spat in a woman’s face and brandished a stone.

Jason Leo Brown, aged 39, of Empress Drive, Douglas, admitted offences of common assault on a female and provoking behaviour.

He appeared before Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes for sentencing on Tuesday.

He was ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work for each offence, to run concurrently.

Defence advocate Ian Kermode told the court that there was an emotional background to the incident.

Mr Kermode said that Brown’s girlfriend had died after a fall and he was devastated.

’He is still struggling to come to terms with that,’ said the advocate.

’Bad blood developed with a neighbouring family.

’It is accepted there was pre-meditation in going round to their home but it was to get answers and discuss things, not to use violence or to fight.

’Clearly he’s put himself in an incendiary situation.

’The spark that lit the fire was an accusation put to him. That caused him to lose his temper and spit in the face of the woman.

’He did pick up a stone but didn’t throw it.

’He said of all the things that could have been said to him in the world, that was the worst that could have been said to him.’

Mr Kermode went on to say that his client had denied the spitting allegation in the police interview but had admitted having the stone in his hand and being in a throwing stance.

He continued: ’For the last five years he has led a law abiding life. He has returned to work at a scaffolding company two weeks ago.

’He has moved out of Castletown away from that neighbour dispute and is no longer on Facebook.

’It is fair to say he has found it difficult to say sorry.

’The circumstances of his girlfriend’s death were outrageously and erroneously put at his doorstep.’

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said while passing sentence: ’It was perhaps a foolish decision to go round, but nonetheless you did and allowed yourself to be drawn into the assault.

’You have the support of your employer and family and that will you help to keep you from committing offences in the future.

’You’ve had a difficult time and you need help with it.’

Brown was also ordered to pay £150 compensation to the woman and £125 prosecution costs.