A man who punched a bouncer outside a pub has been convicted of common assault and threatening behaviour.

Aaron Lee Kelly pleaded guilty to the offences and will be sentenced on June 21 after a probation report has been completed.

Prosecuting advocate Rachael Braidwood told the court that the victim was working as door staff at the Thirsty Pigeon on Victoria Street, Douglas, on April 15.

At 11pm, Kelly approached and swore at the man, saying: ‘You owe me money.’

He then grabbed the doorman by the throat and punched him in the face a number of times.

Kelly, who is 41, was restrained by other security staff until police arrived.

A witness at the scene said that Kelly was swearing and telling the victim: ‘I’m going to knock you out.’

Kelly, who lives in Snaefell Road, Douglas, was described as slurring his words, smelling of alcohol, and unsteady on his feet.

After being arrested and taken to police headquarters, during a police interview he said: ‘I don’t need an advocate. I know what I’ve done.’

Kelly went on to claim that he had not sworn, but admitted that he had asked for money.

He also claimed that he had only thrown a punch as a ‘scare tactic’ and had not intended to hit the bouncer.

However, Ms Braidwood said that CCTV footage showed a number of punches to the face.

The doorman was said to have suffered a bloody nose as a result of the attack.

In December, Kelly was fined £600 for disorderly behaviour on licensed premises after a row and scuffle with bouncers at the 1886 bar.

Defence advocate Winston Taylor asked for a probation report to be prepared before sentencing.

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said: ‘This was an unprovoked attack on a doorman, accompanied by threats to him.’

The High Bailiff ordered that the probation report consider all sentencing options, including custody.

Bail was granted in the sum of £500 with conditions to live at his home address, to contact probation and co-operate in the preparation of the report, and not to leave the island without court consent.