Two men have appeared in court charged with an assault outside the Commercial Hotel in Ramsey.

Simon William Hodgson, aged 53, admitted common assault, but 60-year-old David Thomas Cane denied the same allegation.

A pre-trial review has been scheduled in summary court for Mr Cane on September 24, while Hodgson will be sentenced after the outcome of any trial.

Prosecuting advocate Harry Bellis told magistrates that the two men were outside the pub on West Quay, on May 31.

The victim was in the same area, in a queue at a pop-up bar.

Mr Cane is accused of approaching the man and telling him: ‘I’m going to smack you, mate.’

He is then alleged to have punched him in the face.

Hodgson then punched him on the temple, before witnesses separated the parties.

The victim was said to have suffered a bleeding lip and sore jaw.

Mr Cane, of Close Caarjys, Ramsey, was interviewed but answered ‘no comment’ to questions.

Hodgson, of Bowshaw Close, Batemoor, Sheffield, handed in a prepared statement.

In it, he said he was staying in Ramsey with Mr Cane and they had been on their way home, passing a group, when one of the group had said something to Mr Cane.

Hodgson claimed that the victim had aggressively approached Mr Cane and ‘got in his face’, looking like he was going to hit him.

Hodgson admitted hitting the victim but said he had been reacting to defend Mr Cane.

Duty advocate Andrew Baker represented Hodgson and said there were two versions of events, with his client saying there had been provocation.

Prosecutor Mr Bellis said that the crown’s case was that there had not been provocation.

Mr Cane was represented by Paul Glover.

Bail has been granted for both parties with a condition not to contact witnesses.