A 50 year old man has been given a three month prison sentence suspended for two years by the High Bailiff.

Christopher David Mather of Snaefell Road, Douglas, admitted assaulting taxi driver Daniel Lanagen on Ballafletcher Road, Braddan, on December 1st.

James Davis reports:

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Inspector Richard Power said the defendant and two others booked the taxi to go to Nobles Hospital at 2.15am. The driver stopped on Ballafletcher Road to enquire if the defendant had the money to pay the fare.

Mather refused to get out of the taxi. When he did he became abusive and threatening towards Mr Lanagen and hit him in the face with his elbow.

On February 27th at 10.30pm the defendant was involved at an incident at his home involving his girlfriend. He admitted provoking behaviour following an argument, and threw her mobile phone across the room. He told police he had been drinking.

His advocate said the defendant was angry because the taxi driver refused to believe he had money for the fare.

His advocate said Mather had not meant to hit the taxi driver and the provoking behaviour was as a result of a lover's tiff, as the phone was not aimed at her.

Mather was now seeking help for his drinking.