Visitor punched and headbutted man in high street

Benjamin Williams was handed a suspended sentence at Douglas Courthouse

A visitor who punched and headbutted a man after apparently trying to break up a row has been sentenced.

Benjamin Williams, 31, attacked his victim in the high street of the island's capital in the early hours of 11 November, leaving him with a minor bleed on the brain.

Douglas Courthouse heard CCTV images showed Williams, of Liannerchymedd in Anglesey, initially attempting to diffuse an argument between one of his friends and the victim before launching the attack in Strand Street.

Deemster Cook said he "should have walked away" and was "lucky" the victim had not suffered more serious injuries.

He was handed a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay £500 in compensation to the victim and a further £500 in court costs.

"Acted inappropriately"

Douglas Courthouse heard the 31-year-old had been visiting the island for a sporting event and was out celebrating his birthday.

CCTV footage showed the victim "having a go" at Williams' friend outside Boots at about 00:40 GMT before he intervened to calm the situation down, the court heard.

After walking away, the victim appeared to "beckon" Williams, at which point he attacked the man leaving him with a cut to the head and a minor bleed on the brain, the court was told.

He then went into a nearby bar, leaving members of the public to help the man.

Williams previously pleaded guilty to actual bodily harm.

His defence advocate said the assault had been "reactionary" and that he accepted "he was in the wrong".

Sentencing him, Deemster Cook said that while the victim may have been "making a nuisance of himself" there was "no sign of aggression" from him.

"It is clear that you acted inappropriately and unlawfully," he added.