Man handed suspended sentence for sparking mass brawl

A man whose drunken argument with a woman outside a pub sparked a mass street brawl has been handed a suspended jail sentence.

Billy Robert Sumner of Empire Terrace in Douglas appeared for sentencing before Deputy High Bailiff Rachael Braidwood at Douglas Courthouse.

The 27 year old had previously pleaded guilty to provoking behaviour outside Jaks on Loch Promenade on September 4.

The court heard he'd had a row with a woman and tried unsuccessfully to punch her before a group of men stepped in and a fight broke out.

His advocate Ian Kermode told the hearing unemployed Sumner was trying to change his life and was seeking help from the drug and alcohol team.

Mrs Braidwood told Sumner alcohol was at the root of his offending and said he shouldn't drink alcohol.

She handed him a 14-week jail term suspended for 18 months, banned him from purchasing alcohol or entering licensed premises for 12 months and ordered him to pay costs of £125.