A 28-year-old Douglas man has been handed a suspended sentence after knocking out a man in the street.
Anthony James Graham Ford, of Koinney Avenue, stuck out his arm and ‘clotheslined’ his victim as he ran past him.
Prosecutor Michael Jelski told the court how the assault occurred on December 20 at 3.40am outside Pat-a-Cake bakery in Duke Street in Douglas.
The victim, Michael Smethurst, had been on a night out and was said to be jogging down the street towards a group of men.
The group included Ford and as Mr Smethurst went past, Ford was said to have moved towards him and put out his arm straight in front of Mr Smethurst, causing him to fall to the ground and bang his head.
Paramedics had to be called as Mr Smethurst was said to be drifting in and out of consciousness and saying that he had no feeling in his legs.
A witness told police that he saw Ford raise his arm and connect with Mr Smethurst’s neck.
He said that Ford then laughed and walked away.
CCTV footage of the incident was viewed, which backed up the witness account, and showed Ford take a sideways step towards Mr Smethurst before raising his arm to clothes-line him.
It then showed Ford walk away and start skipping as he went.
Mr Smethurst was taken to hospital with suspected spinal damage and a trauma team was called to assist at Accident and Emergency when he arrived.
However, he was later released from hospital with no serious injuries.
When Ford was arrested he told police that he suffered from anxiety and said that he had put his arm out to protect himself.
After being charged with assault causing actual bodily harm Ford gave a no comment interview.
Defending Ford in court, advocate Peter Russell said: ‘This was a prank that went very badly wrong.
‘Mr Smethurst was unknown to my client and he bore him no ill will. Unfortunately alcohol played a part.
‘What can only be put forward as tomfoolery, a little bit of showing off. He put his arm out thinking it would be a funny thing to do.
‘Fortunately injuries were not long-lasting. Mr Ford has written a letter apologising to his victim which he would like to be passed on.’
Magistrates’ chairman Julian Ashcroft said: ‘It was very fortunate the victim did not receive any life-changing injuries.’
Ford was sentenced to 16 weeks’ custody, suspended for 18 months, and was also given a 12 months probation order.
He was also ordered to pay £125 court costs and £50.98 medical expenses.