A 36-year-old scaffolder who punched a window at Pizza Hut has been fined £300.

Matthew Ian Gaynor admitted an offence of property damage and was also ordered to pay £100 compensation to the pizza company.

Prosecuting advocate Rachael Braidwood told the Deputy High Bailiff that police were called to Pizza Hut in Walpole Avenue on August 27 at 10.19pm.

Gaynor, who lives in Rosehill Mews, Douglas, was said to have been arguing with his partner outside and then punched the window.

Staff said they challenged him and he walked off towards Victoria Street.

It was said that the window was already damaged before the incident but Gaynor’s punch caused further damage.

He was arrested and taken to police headquarters but when interviewed said he could not recall an argument or the property damage incident.

Gaynor said he would pay for any damage he caused if it was him.

The cost of the full repair was £300 but it was accepted that Gaynor had not caused all the damage.

Defence advocate Stephen Wood entered a basis of plea on behalf of his client in which Gaynor said he had struck out recklessly following a verbal argument but had not intended to cause any damage.

Mr Wood said: ’Shop windows do not have eggshell skulls but we do have a window that was already broken.

’Luckily the window didn’t shatter as a result of earlier damage. It was a brief lashing out in frustration. But for it being broken already would he have been before the court at all? We don’t know.’

Deputy High Bailiff Chris Arrowsmith also ordered Gaynor to pay £125 prosecution costs.

He will pay all amounts at a rate of £100 per month.