A Peel man has been convicted of assault causing grievous bodily harm by a court.
Mark Benjamin Cain, of Kerroo Coar, pleaded guilty to the charge and will be sentenced at the Court of General Gaol Delivery on July 27 at 10am.
The court heard how, on June 10, Cain, 24, had been drinking in the Creek Inn in Peel.
The victim of his assault arrived at 11pm with his partner and two friends and was sitting outside the pub.
During the night they were approached by Cain and his friend who were initially friendly, though they did note that Cain was drunk.
At 1.45am a witness said that he had been handed Cain’s phone and Cain had become argumentative saying that he thought he was holding his phone on purpose. Other witnesses said that Cain seemed even more drunk at this stage and a scuffle started over the phone.
The victim of the assault approached to try to warn Cain away but while holding a glass bottle in his hand Cain punched him on the jaw.
The man suffered a double fracture of the jaw and a fractured wisdom tooth.
An ambulance arrived, taking the victim to hospital, where he had to undergo emergency surgery.
bottle
Prosecutor Hazel Carroon said that it was not being suggested that the bottle was used as a weapon but it was in Cain’s hand when he made contact with the man’s jaw.
Advocate Andrew Marshall, defending Cain in court, entered a basis of plea on Cain’s behalf saying that he had mistakenly believed that he was going to be assaulted when his victim approached him. It also said that Cain had been arguing and received verbal abuse.
Cain said that he had instinctively punched his victim, but accepted that his actions were unreasonable and excessive.
Mr Marshall said: ‘He hit him when he was holding the bottle but didn’t intend to hit him with it. He is left-handed and it was in his left hand.
‘He did not use it as a weapon. He mistakenly believed he was going to be assaulted and reacted.’
Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes committed Cain to the higher court saying: ‘It was an incident in the early hours, while intoxicated, and involved significant injuries to the victim which required surgery. I take into account it was a single punch and you had a bottle in your hand. There was at least a risk of it making contact and it seems it did. I am satisfied that this court’s powers are insufficient for sentencing.’
Bail continues in the sum of £500 until sentencing on July 27 at 10am.