Man who launched 'bizarre' attack on flatmate jailed

29-year-old was on court bail at the time for punching another man

Report from BBC Isle of Man.

A man who went into his flatmate's room while he was playing video games and launched a "bizarre" unprovoked attack on him has been jailed.

Curtis Phillips was under the influence of alcohol and drugs when he climbed on top of his friend, repeatedly punching his face and leaving him with severe injuries including a broken eye socket.

Douglas Courthouse heard the 29-year-old was on court bail at the time for punching another man outside the Marine Hotel in Peel on 7 April 2023.

Jailing Phillips for four years and seven months, Deemster Graeme Cook said the latest attack in Kirk Michael was "thuggery".

The court was told how Phillips had ordered pizza with his flatmate earlier in the evening, but when he entered his friend's room he began "ranting".

The victim, who pleaded for an explanation as he tried to shield himself, was also left with blurred vision, restricted breathing and needed to have a metal plate installed in his face.

In a statement read to the court, he said the attack on 18 November 2023 had resulted in him not being able to work, having to move as he no longer felt safe and falling into debt.

The court was told how, during the hotel incident in April, a disagreement had broken out between Phillips and another man.

He left the building with a friend but, as they were walking, he "suddenly" turned around and punched the man in the head.

The man fell to the ground and hit his head on the floor, leaving him with two brain haemorrhages.

Phillips fled the scene, and passers-by went to help the victim, who later spent six days in hospital.

The man said he now struggled to speak, gets confused and broke up with his partner, who felt he had changed too much since the incident.

The victim said he had resorted to drinking, adding: "I just feel stuck, like I can't get my life back to what it was".

Phillips had admitted two counts of inflicting grievous bodily harm and was sentenced for both the offences.

Deemster Cook said the attack on his flatmate was "bizarre" and while Phillips had "done something" to address his underlying problems, it was "too late for the two victims".