Remembrance Day reckoning for soldier who kicked wedding guest in face

30-year-old with ‘excellent’ military career spared jail

A serving soldier has narrowly escaped losing his liberty – and his career – after kicking a man in the face at a wedding.

Matthew Thomas Wyatt, whose address was previously given as Greenlands Avenue in Ramsey, was sentenced today (11 November) at Douglas Courthouse.

Police were called to Amisfield House, in St Judes, just after midnight on 7 August to reports of an assault – they found a male guest with an injury to his chin and damage to his teeth.

Witnesses reported seeing Wyatt arguing with his girlfriend before the guest went over to him on the lawn in an attempt to diffuse the situation; Wyatt responded by kicking him in the face.

The 30-year-old was arrested and later told police he’d been drinking heavily and had no recollection of the incident or why he had done it.

“The defendant was so drunk he can’t actually remember the kick.” – James Robinson (Prosecutor)

In a victim impact statement provided to the court the victim detailed how the attack had affected his physical and mental health.

The man said he now suffers with ‘anxiety and self-esteem’ issues as well as difficulties with his vision, headaches and sensitivity in his mouth; the dental work he needs will cost thousands of pounds.

“I believe I don’t deserve what happened to me that day,” he added.

Wyatt, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm.

His advocate told today’s court hearing that his client would automatically be dismissed from the British Army if he was sentenced to immediate custody; that position was confirmed by a captain of the Royal Artillery who was in the public gallery.

Describing the victim as a ‘stationary, sitting target’ the advocate added: “This is a man who could not be more remorseful for his actions.”  

Sentencing Wyatt to 10 months in custody, suspended for 18 months, Deemster Graeme Cook described the situation as ‘very unsatisfactory’ adding: “What you did is without any realistic explanation at all.”

“What will happen with your military career I don’t know but I won’t take that from you.” – Deemster Graeme Cook

Deemster Cook also ordered Wyatt to pay the victim £3,000 in compensation and £125 in prosecution costs telling him: “I put this down to a complete moment of madness. I would hope that it would never happen again."