A 23-year-old Pulrose man has admitted common assault after he punched an off-duty police officer.

Kieran Michael Cain hit the man who was trying to restrain him after Cain was seen kicking bins and throwing gravel at cars.

He will be sentenced on February 1 next year after a probation report has been completed.

Prosecuting advocate Rebecca Cubbon told the court that a member of the public reported concerns over Cain after seeing him drunk at 3pm on October 24 at Glencrutchery Road in Douglas.

He was seen kicking bins near the pit lane at the Grandstand and then heading onto Ballaquayle Road.

Cain, who lives at Hazel Close, was then seen picking up gravel and stones which he threw at passing cars.

An off-duty police officer stopped his car and spoke to Cain, whom he said was smelling of alcohol and cannabis, and was unsteady on his feet and slurring his words.

He called for uniformed officers but Cain tried to walk off so the officer restrained him.

Cain then punched him in the face and said: ’Where’s your handcuffs then?’

He then spat at the officer but missed and ended up throwing up.

Cain was taken to hospital before later being charged with common assault and being drunk and disorderly.

Defence advocate Paul Glover said that the prosecution facts were accepted and that his client admitted being intoxicated.

Mr Glover asked for an adjournment to allow time for a probation report to be completed.

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes ordered that the report consider all sentencing options, including custody.

Bail was granted in the sum of £500 with conditions to live at his home address, contact probation, and not enter licensed premises, or buy or be sold alcohol.