A teenager who repeatedly punched his victim, then made him get on his knees to apologise has been handed a suspended sentence.

Brydon Lee Skillen, from Foxdale, pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm.

Magistrates sentenced him to eight months’ custody, suspended for two years, and also put him under supervision for two years.

Skillen, now 20, of Archallagan Terrace, also admitted possessing cannabis on two separate occasions.

He engaged with a group which included Skillen, and made a comment which prompted the defendant to become aggressive.

The victim backed away towards Lord Street, trying to leave, but the group followed and surrounded him. He said he felt threatened so he tried to punch Skillen.

The victim was pushed to the ground and Skillen punched him multiple times.

He again tried to leave, but Skillen told him he could only leave if he got on his knees and apologised, so he did.

The victim suffered swelling and bruising, with one of his eyes swollen shut, and was taken to hospital.

Skillen was located by police on Victoria Street, but made off and got away, only to be arrested the following day on Bray Hill.

A search found 0.6 grams of cannabis.

On June 14, Skillen was caught with 0.8 grams of cannabis, on Mooragh Promenade in Ramsey.

Defence advocate Paul Rodgers said his client was only 19 at the time of the assault, and the incident was now six months ago and there had been no repetition.

Magistrates’ chair Ken Faragher said: ‘We are only just convinced to suspend the sentence.

‘It’s down to you if you take this opportunity. The next time it won’t be suspended.’

Skillen must also pay £375 prosecution costs within a month.