A teenager has been put on probation after two assaults in just over a month.

Jacob John Cooper admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and common assault.

Magistrates also ordered him to pay £100 compensation to the ABH victim.

Prosecuting advocate Rebecca Cubbon told the court that, on June 13 at 12.40am, a man was walking on Strand Street in Douglas with his girlfriend.

Cooper, who lives at Circular Road, Douglas, was said to have been in a group of teenagers.

punches

He ran at the man throwing punches, and tried to tackle him to the ground before walking off.

On July 11 at 1am, a man was walking towards 1886 bar in Regent Street when Cooper approached him from behind and punched him in the face.

The man received first aid at 1886 bar before being taken to hospital suffering from a split lip due to his tooth going through it.

Cooper was found by police on Victoria Street but ran off with officers chasing him.

He was caught at the rear of Marks and Spencer and said to be drunk and had a bloodied nose.

As he was arrested he said: ’I’ve had a fight behind [the former] KFC, someone’s hit me. I’ve done nothing wrong, I want to go home.’

When interviewed at police headquarters he gave ’no comment’ responses to all questions.

Ms Cubbon submitted that the assaults were suitable for summary court sentencing.

A probation report said that Cooper had only turned 17 in November and had a lot of care responsibilities in his family, for his younger siblings and his grandmother.

The report said that the offences were committed while Cooper was drunk and that a supervision order would provide much needed support for the teenager, particularly in relation to his drinking.

Cooper told probation that he could remember little about the offences due to his intoxication.

He said that he hoped to join the army in the future.

assistance

Defence advocate Paul Glover told magistrates that his client would welcome assistance from probation services and pointed out that the last offence was now five months ago with Cooper not being in any trouble since then.

’This is a good sign that he has hopefully turned a corner,’ said the advocate.

’His personal background isn’t easy, particularly for a man who’s only just turned 17 years of age.

’Alcohol was a key factor but there were no serious injuries. This is someone who would benefit from guidance and direction.

’If he wants to fulfil his ambition of joining the army his future is in his own hands. They are unlikely to want someone who is in and out of court.’

Mr Glover went on to say that Cooper could be vulnerable to bad influences if he was sent to custody whereas a probation order could help him to lead a fruitful life going forward.

Magistrates chair David Craine told the teenager: ’This is a last chance saloon situation, please take advantage of it.’

Cooper must also pay prosecution costs of £100 which he will pay, along with the compensation, at a rate of £10 per week.