A 34-year-old man has been put on probation for two years after using homophobic language outside the Spar shop in Anagh Coar.

Dean Anthony Whitehead pleaded guilty to threatening behaviour and also had a previous community service order revoked and replaced with probation.

He was also found guilty after a summary court trial of possession of methadone.

Deputy High Bailiff James Brooks made him the subject of a two-year probation order to cover all offences.

Prosecuting advocate Rebecca Cubbon told the court how Whitehead of Heather Crescent was at the Spar store on July 28. He was seen by staff picking up food and leaving without paying.

A member of staff confronted him outside the shop but Whitehead responded by using homophobic language and then said he would attend the staff member’s address, adding: ’I’ll do you in.’

Police arrived and Whitehead ran off but was later arrested on Cullyn Avenue.

When interviewed about the incident he said he could not remember much but accepted his behaviour would have caused alarm.

Whitehead was said to have only completed two hours of a 200-hour community service order imposed in February 2019 due to struggling with his mental health.

That order was imposed after Whitehead stole a safe containing £400 but dropped it on North Quay in Douglas.

The money fell out and he threw the safe into the harbour.

Probation services asked for the community service order to be revoked and replaced with a probation order Whitehead had also previously pleaded not guilty to possession of methadone but was found guilty after a trial.

Defence advocate Paul Glover said that his client would welcome support from probation.

Deputy High Bailiff Mr Brooks also ordered Whitehead to pay £500 prosecution costs due to the drug offence going to trial.