A teenager has admitted kicking and punching a man in the head as he lay on the ground unconscious.

Alastair Mark Aubrey Flint pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm and was committed to the Court of General Gaol Delivery for sentencing.

Prosecuting advocate Barry Swain told the court that police were called to Windsor Road in Douglas after receiving a 999 call reporting a fight on August 13 at 6.22pm.

When officers arrived they found a man, who was said to be a friend of Flint, unconscious on the ground with blood coming from his head and face.

Witnesses said that 18-year-old Flint, who was living at Birch Drive, Peel, and the man, were seen outside Robinson’s on Prospect Terrace.

They had been arguing and another man who was present told them to go into the lane at the back of the Terrace to ’sort out’ their problems.

CCTV footage of the incident was said to have been shared on social media and showed Flint grab the victim by the shoulders and throw him to the ground.

As he attempted to get up Flint then kicked him in the head with full force in a way which prosecutor Mr Swain described as though ’taking a penalty kick’.

The man fell to the ground unconscious but Flint didn’t stop and then walked around to his head and punched him twice as he lay there.

He then kicked him in the head again before walking off.

Flint was then seen returning a few seconds later and trying to pick up the victim.

Mr Swain said that, fortunately, the injuries suffered by the victim were only swelling and a cut above the eye.

The prosecutor said that the assault was too serious for summary court and should be committed to the higher court for sentencing.

Defence advocate Jim Travers submitted that the case was just about suitable to remain in summary court, citing grounds as the early guilty plea, the injuries being relatively minor, and that the incident had been reported as a fight rather than an assault on a stranger.

Mr Travers said that his client had no significant previous convictions and no custodial experience.

’CCTV footage will need to be seen by any sentencer,’ said the advocate.

’The overall length of the assault was not lengthy.’

Mr Travers said that the prosecution facts were accepted and that Flint was seeking assistance from mental health services.

A probation report was requested which may include input from mental health services.

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes declined jurisdiction saying that she was not satisfied that her maximum sentencing powers of 12 months custody were sufficient.

Flint will be sentenced at the Court of General Gaol Delivery on October 15. Bail was granted in the sum of £500.