A maths teacher who grabbed a bouncer around the throat at Jaks has been handed a suspended sentence.

Matthew Adam Brannan, of Ballatessan Meadow, Peel, was fined £500 after he admitted common assault and sentenced to 12 weeks’ custody, suspended for 12 months.

The 27-year-old, who remains suspended from his teaching job St Ninian’s High School pending further possible disciplinary action, was also ordered to pay the bouncer £500 compensation.

We previously reported that Brannan was escorted out of Jaks on November 24 at 1.30am due to being too drunk.

He argued with bouncers outside the pub but was said to have calmed down.

However, he then walked around to the pub’s side entrance and tried to get back in.

He was met by bouncers and told he was too drunk to come in but this resulted in him becoming argumentative and aggressive.

One member of the security staff said that he used the back of his hand on Brannan’s chest to prevent him entering but Brannan then grabbed the man around the throat with both hands which caused both men to fall against a wall and then onto the ground.

Arrested

The bouncer said that the assault had caused him to lose his breath and Brannan’s nails had marked his neck.

Brannan was restrained by security staff until police arrived at the scene and he was arrested.

When interviewed later he admitted that he was ’far too drunk’ and said he could not remember the assault but believed that he did it. He said he had been drinking since 3pm on the day.

Defence advocate David Reynolds said: ’Mr Brannan tells me he is not a regular drinker.

’He says he has very little recollection of what happened.

’He is a maths teacher and has been suspended from work and will find out after today if he is still in employment.

’He has tried to be a role model for his students. Clearly such conduct goes against everything he’s taught his students.’ Mr Reynolds quoted a probation report which assessed Branning as a low risk of harm to others and of reoffending.

The advocate said that his client was intending to leave the island to teach in the UK.

Magistrates also ordered him to pay £125 prosecution costs.

A spokesman for the Department of Education, Sport and Culture said: ’This issue will be looked at by the head teacher who will determine any further internal disciplinary measures that should be taken. Mr Brannan remains suspended from teaching at this time.’