A 43-year-old has been handed a suspended sentence for an assault at Andreas Meats.

Matthew Lawrence Power denied assault causing actual bodily harm (ABH) and provoking behaviour, but was found guilty after a summary court trial.

Prosecuting advocate Harry Bellis told magistrates that Power and the complainant were at Andreas Meats in Andreas on December 19.

Power was said to have punched, kicked and scratched the man during an altercation.

The complainant put his hands up and his finger went into Power’s mouth, which prompted him to bite it.

The wife of the complainant screamed for him to stop, but Power then walked towards her, which she said caused her fear.

Police arrived and when interviewed, Power handed in a prepared statement, claiming the other male was the aggressor, had initiated the fight, and had punched him.

He admitted he had shoved the complainant first, but said he had only done so because he believed he was going to be attacked.

Power, who lives at Alexander Drive in Douglas, was represented in court by advocate James Peterson, who submitted references and medical information on behalf of his client.

Mr Peterson said the references described Power as caring, calm, and kind, and someone who ordinarily backed away from confrontation.

The advocate said his client was heavily involved in supporting the veteran community, and was a former veteran himself.

Mr Peterson said the medical information perhaps went someway to explaining Power’s overreaction, as well as his father being seriously ill, which had also been playing on his mind.

Magistrates sentenced the defendant to three months’ custody, suspended for a year, and also put him under supervision for 12 months.

He was also ordered to pay £750 prosecution costs, plus £200 compensation to the complainant, which he will pay at a rate of £10 per week.