Community service for man after pub assault

A man who groped a woman’s breast in a pub later headbutted her partner and punched the landlord.

Noel Patrick Richards of Bircham Avenue Close in Ramsey appeared before Deputy High Bailiff James Brooks at Douglas Courthouse.

The 23 year old admitted two counts of assault, and one each of indecent assault, criminal damage, disorderly behaviour on licensed premises and resisting police on December 12 last year.

Prosecutor Hazel Carroon told the hearing Richards groped the woman in the Mitre on Parliament Street in Ramsey before being thrown out after he was caught urinating in the smoking area.

He became aggressive and struggled with the landlord before punching a window once he was outside - when confronted by the woman’s boyfriend he headbutted him and police had to use PAVA spray to restrain him.

When interviewed by officers, the hotel chef said he’d had seven pints and two gins and described himself as “ten out of ten” drunk.

Mr Brooks said he’d considered sending him to jail but noted he had no previous convictions.

Richards was ordered to do 210 hours of community service, and pay £125 costs and a total of £1,110 compensation.

He was also banned from buying alcohol for a year.