A man who stole goods from WH Smith and headbutted a man has been sentenced to community service and probation.

Craig Phillip Teare, aged 33, of Market Hill, Douglas, admitted theft and common assault.

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes ordered him to do 120 hours of unpaid work and put him on probation for 12 months after he admitted the offences.

Teare was said to have been drunk when both offences occurred.

The assault took place outside the Thirsty Pigeon pub on March 23 when Teare headbutted a member of staff. No injuries were sustained.

The theft occurred on April 13 when Teare stole goods from WH Smith, including headphones worth £400.

He returned to the store and stole more goods a second time on the same date.

Advocate Stephen Wood referred to the probation report which he said he would not go into in open court.

He said: ’It is clear Mr Teare was on a downward spiral and there are references to concerns for his health.

’I would submit he has significantly turned things around. Had he not sought help and not stopped drinking, who knows where we might have ended up.

’He has stopped drinking. He has not consumed alcohol since the imposition of that as a bail condition.

’He is having contact with his children and his mental health has improved considerably.

’He understands drinking to excess leads to him offending essentially. He has referred himself to Motiv8 and is waiting for his first appointment. He has self-referred to Hospice for grief counselling.’

Mr Wood continued: ’Mr Teare has accepted the prosecution case but we would ask the court to take into account this was a no injury common assault.

’I would make the submission that if a head is being used as a weapon different levels of force can be used.

’Had he not been intoxicated I suspect this offence wouldn’t have occurred, similarly to the theft.

’We have seen the CCTV of that.

’He looked at the CCTV at one point, it was ridiculous.’

The court heard that Teare had spent three days on remand and four days in police custody.

Mrs Hughes also banned him from entering licensed premises and buying or being sold alcohol for 12 months.

He must also pay £250 compensation to the Thirsty Pigeon staff member and £125 prosecution costs.