A teenager who spat on a family member in a youth cafe has been sentenced to 100 hours of community service and 12 months’ probation.

Connor Samuel Hall, of Saddle Road, Douglas, then ran out of the cafe in Lord Street, Douglas, pushing a girl as he left the building.

The 17-year-old appeared before High Bailiff Jayne Hughes on Tuesday.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of common assault.

Meanwhile, all other allegations against him, namely of provoking behaviour, attempted property damage, and resisting arrest - which he had previously denied - were withdrawn.

Hall had been due to face a trial on March 27 for the latter three offences as well as one of the common assault charges, which he had also initially denied.

But this week he changed his plea to the second common assault charge.

Prosecuting advocate Hazel Carroon told the court that the victim was in Cafe Laare on October 19 at 8.25pm.

Reckless

Hall was said to have entered and spat in the family member’s face, although most of the spittle hit a wall.

The court heard he then barged past a girl on the stairs as he left the cafe.

Defence advocate Peter Taylor entered a basis of plea on behalf of his client in which Hall said he had been angry with the victim and had shouted at her.

He admitted spitting at her, saying that he deeply regretted it.

Hall said he had then recklessly pushed past a girl as he ran out.

The court heard that Hall was currently subject to a probation order and community service, though he has completed all the community service hours.

A probation report said that he had completed the work to a ’very high standard’ and made a lot of progress.

Mr Taylor said that CCTV footage showed that the whole incident, from Hall entering the cafe to him leaving, had only lasted 16 seconds.

Regret

’He realises he has taken it too far,’ said the advocate.

’He deeply regrets spitting.’

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes told Hall while passing sentence: ’Spitting is always horrible, particularly when it lands on somebody’s face.

’The lasting fear is that somebody may pick up some disease, particularly now with coronavirus in the headlines.’

Mrs Hughes also ordered Hall to pay £200 compensation to the family member and £100 to the girl that he pushed.

He must also pay £350 prosecution costs due to preparation work being done for a trial.

He will pay all amounts at a rate of £10 per week.