Community service for man who assaulted homeowner after 'mistaken identity'

21-year-old admits common assault

A Ballasalla man has been ordered to carry out unpaid work after assaulting a homeowner when he entered his property uninvited.

Jake Peter Plant let himself into the house, on Sydney Street in Douglas, just after 2am on 21 August – he told the owners he was going upstairs to a flat.

When he was told there wasn’t one the 20-year-old, of Ballamodha Straight, pushed the man away and, unprovoked, punched him causing cuts to his head and face.

Plant was arrested on nearby Brisbane Street and later told police he’d made a ‘genuine mistake’ in believing he was in a block of flats in which his friend lived.

He later pleaded guilty to common assault.

“You are 20-years-old. You are stupid when you have drink onboard.” – Deputy High Bailiff Graeme Cook

During sentencing at Douglas Courthouse Plant’s advocate told the court it was a case of ‘mistaken identity’ adding: “I appreciate this is one of those scenarios which could have been much worse.”

Ordering him to carry out 100 hours of community service Deputy High Bailiff Graeme Cook told Plant: “This was a serious assault on someone in their own home.”

Plant must also pay £130 in compensation as well as prosecution costs of £125.