A pregnant woman was forced to intervene in a row between her partner and another man.

William Thomas Prince, of The Threshold, Jurby, has been jailed for 20 weeks after brandishing a tyre iron and piece of metal in a row thought to be sparked by jealousy over his girlfriend.

The incident took place on December 9.

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said she had no choice but to impose a custodial sentence: ’I take into account the impending birth of your child but any person who chooses to use a tyre iron and metal rod can expect nothing less than a custodial sentence.

’You must understand this behaviour will not be tolerated on the island.’

She added: ’Children were present who witnessed this violent incident.

’It was 2.45pm and you produced a tyre iron and used it to threaten.

’Then you returned to your vehicle and then made threats with a metal rod.

’You produced two weapons in the middle of the afternoon and followed the complainant to a bus stop. Your pregnant partner was forced to intervene.

’It arose out of pure jealousy at what you perceived to be going on.

’You went round to the man’s address.

’Nothing could justify your behaviour.’

Prince, who has no previous convictions, admitted a charge of affray.

Defending Prince, advocate Paul Glover told the court: ’He can’t say he did it because of x,y, and z, it was heat of the moment, he says he saw red.’

He added: ’There is an extensive background to this matter which is highlighted in the probation report and we don’t intend to go into in great detail.

’He accepts whatever happened doesn’t warrant what he has done. He is incredibly ashamed of his actions. He threatened a man with a large piece of metal.

’He does regret going back to the victim a second time. He gave a full account to the police.

’He does have ongoing difficulties and issues noted in the report which we don’t intend to state in public court.

’He does have a background of mental health issues.’

Deputy high bailiff Jayne Hughes