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Teenager avoids jail after 'Facebook-rage'

A teenager has been given a suspended jail sentence in what’s thought to be the Island’s first ‘Facebook-rage’ attack.

Frankie Maria Clauson, 18, of Lheannagh Park, Douglas, attacked a woman in the street after reading comments made about her on the social networking site.

Clauson admitted assault after the incident in Strand Street at 5pm on February 21.

The court heard she crossed the street to reach her victim, punched her twice in the face, pulled her hair and knelt on her until passers-by managed to pull her away.

Clauson’s advocate told the court there’d been provocation through the Facebook website, where she’d read comments her victim had made about her.

He said it was a chance meeting where the teenager had lost her temper and not a premeditated attack.

High Bailiff Michael Moyle said she had several convictions for violence as juvenile and only her age prevented him from sending her straight to jail.

He gave her a four month prison sentence, suspended for two years, imposed a 12 month supervision order and ordered her to attend an anger management course as well as see drug, alcohol and mental health teams.

She was also ordered to pay £250 compensation to her victim.

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