A Douglas man who threatened his wife with a knife has been spared an immediate custodial sentence.

Thirty-six year-old John Kenneth Foster, who admitted a charge of provoking behaviour, was given a three month sentence, suspended for two years, by High Bailiff Michael Moyle.

The prosecution said police were called to the Fosters' house in Lord Street at 10.55pm on March 29, where what they described as "a domestic incident" had taken place.

Edward Oldham reports (text, below, from attached audio file):

A witness told officers Foster had a knife and was threatening his wife Yvonne, following an argument.

He was arrested and said he couldn't remember anything.

His advocate said Foster accepted the incident was serious.

He'd got too drunk, had stayed at a party too long and was very sorry.

In passing sentence Mr Moyle said the aggravating factor of the case was the use of the knife.