A row sparked by a hedge cutter has cost a Ramsey man a £750 fine.

Bernard Pearse Leavey punched a man, then threw a stool at him at the Commercial Hotel.

The 51-year-old appeared before Deputy High Bailiff Rachael Braidwood on August 13, pleading guilty to disorderly conduct on licensed presumes, and was also ordered to pay £125 prosecution costs.

Prosecuting advocate Annie Bannister told the court that Leavey was drinking at the bar at the West Quay pub in Ramsey on July 26.

He was described as highly intoxicated, slurring his words, having glazed eyes, and smelling of alcohol.

The complainant was also sitting at the bar and said Leavey was talking to someone else about a hedge cutter.

The complainant said Leavey had gone on about the hedge cutter for some time, so he asked him to stop talking about it.

Leavey said he would, and the complainant responded by saying: ‘Yeah, good boy.’

This comment angered Leavey, so he punched him in the head and neck.

The complainant moved away, but Leavey then picked up a stool and threw it towards him, though he managed to deflect it away with his arm.

The incident was captured on CCTV footage and Leavey was later arrested at the Mitre pub.

Defence advocate Ian Kermode said: ‘He heard the comment “Good boy”, and that triggered him.

‘He momentarily lost his temper and threw two punches, and then flung the bar stool at him.

‘He accepts there had been a lengthy conversation about the hedge cutter.

‘He had too much to drink that day.’

Mr Kermode said Leavey’s last conviction was six years ago and he wanted to apologise to the male and the court.

The advocate said his client spent two nights at police headquarters after his arrest.

Leavey, of Pairk Ollay, will pay at a rate of £100 per month.