A 37-year-old Douglas man has been fined £400 after admitting provoking behaviour.

Shawn Anthony Bartlett was arrested after an argument with his partner led to a member of the public calling the police.

Two other allegations, of common assault and being drunk and disorderly, were withdrawn.

Prosecuting advocate Barry Swain told the court that a member of the public called the police on October 21 at 7.20pm.

They said they were concerned after seeing Barlett pushing a woman up against a wall and swearing at her in Marathon Road in Douglas.

When officers arrived they found Barlett, who lives at Marathon Road, still at the scene and described him as showing signs of intoxication.

He was arrested to prevent a further breach of the peace after his behaviour was said to be loud and vociferous.

The woman involved chose not to make a complaint against Bartlett.

During a police interview, Bartlett said that he had not assaulted her but had put his palm on her chest to calm her down.

He admitted he had been drinking at home.

Mr Swain said that there was no evidence of any assault and that it had only been Bartlett’s loudness and disruptive behaviour, which had caused witnesses concern.

Defence advocate Jim Travers said that the incident was a relatively low level provoking behaviour offence.

’There has been an admission of guilt at the earliest opportunity in respect of the overall incident,’ said the advocate.

’Mr Barlett accepted there was an argument with his partner in public but no physical violence was used.

’He accepts he was intoxicated and upset at the time.’

Barlett’s last conviction was in 2018 for being drunk and disorderly.

Deputy High Bailiff James Brooks also ordered him to pay prosecution costs of £125 which he will pay, along with the fine, at a rate of £15 per week, deducted from benefits