Reckless blow leaves visitor with suspended prison sentence

34-year-old Matthew Yates was handed the 12 month custodial sentence, which is suspended for two years, at Douglas Courthouse earlier this week. 

 

He'd previously admitted assaulting another man, causing ABH, outside Sugar Sugar nightclub in Douglas on July 26th.  

 

The court heard Yates' uncle and the victim had been involved in confrontation inside the club which had spilled outside. 

 

It had largely subsided when Yates threw a single punch at the man in what was described as a "momentary lapse of self-control" - he was knocked out for around 30 seconds. 

 

His advocate told the court Yates had misread the situation and it was an "impulsive reaction" that he was "utterly ashamed" of. 

 

Sentencing him Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes ordered him to pay compensation of £500, costs of £125 and imposed a 12-month licensing ban.