Visitor punched and headbutted man in high street

31-year-old receives suspended prison sentence

Report by BBC Isle of Man: 

A visitor who punched and headbutted a man after apparently trying to break up a row has been sentenced.

Benjamin Williams, 31, attacked his victim on Strand Street in Douglas, in the early hours of 11 November, leaving him with a minor bleed on the brain.

Douglas Courthouse heard CCTV showed Williams, of Liannerchymedd in Anglesey, initially attempting to diffuse an argument between one of his friends and the victim before launching the attack.

Deemster Graeme Cook said he "should have walked away" and was "lucky" the victim had not suffered more serious injuries.

He was handed a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay £500 in compensation to the victim and a further £500 in court costs.

Williams had been visiting the Island for a sporting event and was out celebrating his birthday.

CCTV footage showed the victim "having a go" at Williams' friend outside Boots at about 12:40am before he intervened to calm the situation down.

After walking awa, the victim appeared to "beckon" Williams, at which point he attacked the man leaving him with a cut to the head and a minor bleed on the brain.

He then went into a nearby bar leaving members of the public to help the man.

Williams previously pleaded guilty to actual bodily harm.

His defence advocate said the assault had been "reactionary" and that he accepted "he was in the wrong".

Sentencing him Deemster Cook said that while the victim may have been "making a nuisance of himself" there was "no sign of aggression" from him.

"It is clear that you acted inappropriately and unlawfully," he added.