A 50-year-old man who struggled with police while holding a screwdriver has been fined £500 for resisting arrest.

Christopher Quilliam had an initial charge of assaulting a police officer against him withdrawn and replaced with the resisting arrest one.

Deputy High Bailiff James Brooks also ordered Quilliam to pay £125 prosecution costs.

Prosecuting advocate Hazel Carroon told the court that police were called to Quilliam’s address at Watterson Close in Douglas on February 2 at 10.40pm to assist paramedics.

A domestic argument had been reported and Quilliam was said to be sitting on a sofa and highly intoxicated.

Due to concerns over a further breach of the peace, police told Quilliam he was going to be arrested.

This prompted him to become verbally aggressive and pick up an eight-inch screwdriver from a shelf and say: ’I’ll tell you what I’ll do then.’

Officers took hold of him and a struggle ensued which resulted in one officer being scratched before Quilliam was restrained and handcuffed.

Defence advocate James Peterson said that his client had just one previous unrelated conviction and also had health issues.

’His partner is here to support him,’ said the advocate.

’He had been drinking a small quantity, but due to his condition, it tends to affect him more.

’He apologies for what happened.’

Deputy High Bailiff Mr Brooks ordered Quilliam to pay the fine and costs at a rate of £20 per fortnight, deducted from benefits.