A 40-year-old Douglas man has been fined £1,500 after a festive brawl at 1886 bar.

Mark Francis Xavier Velarde punched his victim then ended up grappling on the floor with him until they were separated by other customers.

He admitted disorderly behaviour on licensed premises and was also ordered by magistrates to pay £50 prosecution costs.

Prosecuting advocate Roger Kane told the court that police were called to the Regent Street pub on December 4 at 1.45am after a report of a fight inside.

Velarde was said to have punched another male outside the toilets.

The victim said he did not want to make a complaint but CCTV footage captured the incident.

punching

Velarde, who lives at Dreeym Beary, was seen talking to the man and then punching him without warning.

The two then grappled on the floor until members of the public separated them. The court heard that Velarde has no previous convictions.

Defence advocate Sara-Jayne Dodge said: ’On the evening in question, Mr Velarde was out with friends enjoying the festive period.

mortified

’He has viewed the CCTV and is mortified to see himself in a scuffle. He does regret his actions.

’He says it was more of a preventative measure as he felt he was being prevented from leaving the toilets.

’Mr Velarde hasn’t been to a public house since. He spent a night in police custody, not an experience he wants to repeat in a hurry.’

Ms Dodge handed in letters of reference for her client and asked for credit to be given for his guilty plea.

She continued: ’We would submit that this is a blip, and unfortunately, as with many of the incidents we see before this court, alcohol has played a part.’

Magistrates gave Velarde one month to pay the fine and costs.