A teenager from Douglas has admitted offences of affray and theft of beer.

Daniel Joseph Cachia, of Willaston Crescent, had previously denied the affray and a trial was set to take place but on Tuesday he changed his plea to guilty.

The 18-year-old admitted the theft offence on a previous appearance.

Prosecutor Barry Swain told the court how, on July 6 at 9.20pm, Cachia was in a group of men who entered Howard’s convenience store, in Windsor Road.

He stole a can of Skol beer and the group then headed to a taxi rank on Broadway.

As the group arrived at the rank, Cachia and one of the other men attacked a passenger who was in a taxi at the time. Cachia admitted throwing numerous punches during the attack.

The woman driver of the taxi got out and tried to intervene but was pushed by the men.

A member of the public witnessing the incident called 999 and another member of the public chased the group and detained Cachia.

He was arrested but claimed it was not him who stole the beer or was involved in the affray.

Defence advocate Paul Rodgers asked for a probation report to be compiled before sentencing.

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes ruled that the report should consider all sentencing options, including custody, and Cachia will appear in court again on December 18.

Bail was granted with conditions that he reside at his home address, contact probation, and not leave the island without court permission.