A former soldier has been sentenced to community service and probation after threatening port staff at the Sea Terminal.

Homer Andrew Holmes, of Darragh Way, Douglas, arrived from Liverpool drunk and told security staff he would ’smash their heads in’.

The 50-year-old admitted an offence of behaviour likely to cause belief immediate unlawful violence may be used. High Bailiff Jayne Hughes sentenced him to 100 hours of community service and a 12-month probation order.

We previously reported that Holmes arrived on the ferry at 9pm on Friday, June 21.

Police were called to the Sea Terminal after a report of him being drunk and abusive to staff.

There was also said to be an oustanding warrant for Holmes’ arrest at that time due to non-payment of fines.

He was arrested and when interviewed gave ’no comment’ responses.

Holmes has a previous conviction just over 12 months ago for the same offence, as well as common assault and property damage.

He was sentenced to community service for those offences after he punched a female youth worker outside the Albert Hotel in Douglas.

Holmes said at the time he hit the woman in error as he had been trying to hit a man.

Defending Holmes in relation to the latest offence advocate Paul Glover said that his client had been treated for mental health issues and had recently been offered employment.

’Mr Holmes is sorry,’ the advocate said.

’He is motivated to change and hasn’t drunk since this event just over a month ago.

’He would welcome the opportunity to work with probation.

Alcohol

’He is concerned he has been up for the same offence twice in a year having had no previous convictions before.’

Mr Glover said that Holmes had completed the community service for his previous offences. He continued: ’Alcohol has been a key factor in his two appearances before the court.

’He knows he is the only person who can stop himself getting highly intoxicated and venting his feelings.

’He spent six days in police custody, the equivalent of a 12- day sentence.’

Holmes was also ordered to pay £125 prosecution costs, which he must pay by August 30.