31-year-old's advocate tells court he had 'no excuse for his behaviour'
A Peel man who punched an 11-year-old child after a drunken argument has been handed a suspended prison sentence.
Ryan Lee Shepherd, of Kerroo Coar, also smashed her mother’s phone – and kicked the family’s puppy ‘in frustration’ – during an incident on 2 June.
During sentencing at Douglas Courthouse Shepherd's advocate said the unemployed 31-year-old had ‘no excuse for his behaviour’.
Shepherd had previously pleaded guilty to common assault and destroying property after an argument started at around 10.20pm - he'd been drinking all day.
After complaining he was hungry, he became verbally abusive towards the young girl before throwing a kitchen chair which struck her on the arm.
Shepherd then punched her on the arm.
Shepherd’s advocate told the court: "Mr Shepherd’s behaviour on the night in question fell below the required standards. He understands he has a problem with alcohol."
“Mr Shepherd offers no excuse for his behaviour – he has no excuse for his behaviour.” James Peterson (advocate)
Describing the offences as ‘serious’ High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said the custody threshold had been passed.
Agreeing to suspend an 18-week custodial sentence for two years she also placed Shepherd under a two-year Suspended Sentence Supervision Order.
She also imposed a six-month licensing ban which was uplifted to 12 months at Shepherd’s request.
Cost of off-Island healthcare treatment almost £2m higher than forecast over five-month period
Options for Tramway Terrace expected in the next eight weeks
Organisation welcomes news of Milan extension
AI workshop findings to shape forthcoming national strategy
Island residents urged to report possible Asian hornet sightings