One man has been jailed and another put on probation after an assault on Peel promenade on the day of the Parish Walk.

Anthony James Scaddan, aged 25, and Alistair John Cowin, aged 36, verbally abused people on the prom, with Scaddan punching an former policeman who tried to intervene.

The pair were eventually restrained by members of the public until police arrived.

Cowin, of Taubman Terrace, Douglas, was sentenced to 12 weeks in custody, while Scaddan, of no fixed address, was put on probation for two years.

Scaddan was also ordered to pay £250 compensation to the man he punched.

Both men have already served 34 days on remand, the equivalent of a 68-day sentence.

Cowin is also on licence in relation to a previous sentence until September 2020.

Barry Swain, prosecuting, told a court that police were called to the promenade opposite Davison’s ice cream parlour at 4.55pm on June 22.

It was reported that Cowin and Scaddan were drunk and aggressive and had been threatening and intimidating members of the public.

When police arrived Cowin was being restrained on the ground kicking out and swearing loudly.

Scaddan was said to be wrapped around a lamp post also being restrained by civilians while swearing and lashing out.

The former police officer had suffered from cuts and scratches to his face and had an eye injury that was bleeding.

He said that he had tried to intervene and stop an assault on another civilian by Scaddan, but Scaddan had then punched him, knocking his glasses off.

Scaddan was said to have told a police officer he would find out where they lived so he could ’slit their throat’.

Defending Scaddan, advocate Paul Glover said his client accepted the prosecution case even though he said he had little recollection of the incident.

’Mr Scaddan appears to have a very unhealthy relationship with alcohol which he needs to address,’ said the advocate.

’If he stops drinking his likelihood of reoffending drops drastically.

’He is committed to addressing his issues with alcohol and would ask for one last opportunity to work with probation services.’

Paul Rodgers, representing Cowin, said: ’We would invite the court to pass a sentence that would allow Mr Cowin to released today.

’He does have a long criminal record and mental health issues.

’He didn’t realise it was the Parish Walk and thought it was the Viking Boat Races so he thought there would be a drinking area where he could blend in with the crowd.

’Whilst being unpleasant, the more serious element was the assault.’

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said while passing sentence: ’These offences were committed on a busy afternoon, a time when there would have been families enjoying an afternoon.’

Mrs Hughes said that, but for Scaddan’s time on remand she would have also sentenced him to custody.

He was ordered to live at David Gray House or as directed by his probation officer.

Both men must also pay £125 costs.