Doorman punched twice while throwing out Hereford nightclubber

Thomas Mark Burroughs, 20, of Marcle Walk, Hereford, pleaded guilty to assault by beating Play Nightclub doorman Luke Hall.

Adrian Jones, prosecuting at Hereford Magistrates Court on Thursday said that the offence took place at 1.30am on March 13, outside the Blue School Street venue.

"Mr Hall was called to a garden open area by colleagues to two aggressive people," said Mr Jones.

"He restrained Burroughs and escorted him out of the beer garden making it clear that was what he was having to do.

"The defendant appeared to have calmed down and Mr Hall loosened grip on him. At this point he was headbutted by the defendant."

Burroughs was then allegedly joined by another defendant who denied the charge of assault by beating on Mr Hall.

During the incident Burroughs accepted punching Mr Hall twice.

Mr Jones added: "Burroughs said that he felt the doorman was being heavy handed and he had been trying to explain that his girlfriend had been assaulted.

"Mr Hall suffered bruising to his left thigh, scrapes to his elbows and right hand. He also said that he had suffered a headache but carried on working."

Marilena Divitantonio, mitigating said that Burroughs accepted the charge on basis as he denied headbutting Mr Hall but accepted punching him twice to the face.

"Burroughs had been told his partner in the nightclub had been assaulted which caused a verbal argument to start," said Ms Divitantonio.

"The defendant tried to explain the situation to the doorman but became wound up and frustrated. After being removed from the venue the person who he was having an argument with came outside.

"The doorman wasn't listening and out of frustration the defendant punched him twice."

"The incident was captured on CCTV which Burroughs says shows no headbutt."

Magistrates ordered Burroughs to complete a 12 months community order with 100 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £150 compensation to Mr Burroughs, £85 victim surcharge and £135 costs.