Suspended sentence for man who spat in bouncer's eye

47-year-old was 'reckless' after being ejected from nightclub

A Douglas man who spat in a bouncer’s face after being ejected from a nightclub has been ordered to pay him compensation.

Graeme John Banfield, of Conister Road, was removed from 1886 on Regent Street just after midnight on 23 December.

The 47-year-old later admitted to assaulting the member of door staff after the spittle landed in his eye.

During sentencing at Douglas Courthouse the prosecutor described the offence as a ‘disgusting habit’.

Banfield’s advocate told the court his client’s actions, in the early hours of the morning, had been ‘reckless’.

“He is someone who is generally a sensible and level-headed person. This was a one-off,” he added.

A letter was provided to the court from Banfield’s young daughter which read: “I cannot have him going to prison. He is an amazing dad who does everything for me. I need him.”

Banfield’s advocate also confirmed his client had written to the doorman to apologise – the letter will be passed to the worker following the conclusion of the court case.

Describing the correspondence from his daughter as ‘very moving’ High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said it was a ‘particularly horrible’ offence on a member of the night time economy.

Imposing a 14-week custodial sentence, which is suspended for two years, she also made Banfield the subject of a Suspended Sentence Supervision Order and started a three-month licensing ban.

Banfield must also pay £500 in compensation and prosecution costs of £125 with the high bailiff adding: “I accept that you are remorseful.”