December sentence for man who admits domestic abuse

58-year-old's behaviour described as 'volatile' and 'erratic'

A Douglas man who put glue in the locks of his marital home before going on to assault his wife will be sentenced next month.

Darren Michael Bardsley, of Tromode House, caused the woman physical or psychological harm between 5 January and 30 September.

At Douglas Courthouse the 58-year-old pleaded guilty to domestic abuse.

The court heard the couple, who have been married for more than three decades, had separated but were still living together.

However Bardsley’s behaviour was said to have become ‘volatile’ and ‘erratic’ and in April he locked her out of their property; when she changed the locks he smashed through the door before gluing the locks.

The court heard he also put bolts on the doors, caused extensive damage around the house whilst ‘doing DIY’ and punched her whilst she was in bed.

He also splattered paint over the fridge and kitchen cupboards, swore at the woman and assaulted her with a pillow; the latter he said he’d done to give her a ‘reality check’.

Bardsley also admitted assaulting another woman at The Thirsty Pigeon in Douglas on 27 June – he struck the employee’s neck with a lighter shouting ‘taser’ after he was asked to leave the pub.

Deputy High Bailiff Rachael Braidwood described Bardsley’s behaviour as ‘extremely concerning’ – a social enquiry report has been requested before he’s sentenced on 12 December; bail was granted.