A fast-food worker unleashed an “explosion of violence” after a nightclub spat bubbled over onto the streets of Canterbury.

Liam Jones, 27, had been at the city’s Club Chemistry before punching another reveller, George Allen, in the face, breaking his jaw.

Prosecuting the case on Monday, Peter Forbes said the attack followed a disagreement in the venue between Jones, two women he was with, and two other men – one of them Mr Allen.

“The incident happened sometime later,” Mr Forbes explained.

“[Mr Allen] and the male he was with were approached by a female - Mr Jones’ partner, Abigail.

“The complainant’s account is he remembers the girl slapping his friend in the face. [Mr Allen] recalls the defendant shouting: ‘What do you want me to do?

“The complainant said ‘From what I can remember, he’s then punched me in the jaw - he had no reason to punch me. I just remember falling to the floor and feeling extremely dazed.’”

Mr Forbes added: “It was an explosion of quite serious violence.”

Canterbury Crown Court heard that as Mr Allen’s friend came over to assist him, Jones put him in a headlock before throwing him to the ground.

The incident on May 20, 2023, was captured on CCTV outside Palamon Court student flats on Rhodaus Town and left Mr Allen with two fractures to his jaw bone.

Mr Forbes told the court the victim required surgery, including two metal plates being implanted in his face.

In a victim impact statement read aloud by the lawyer, Mr Allen added: “I should be able to go out in Canterbury with my friends and not have to worry about being assaulted.

“I just don’t know how someone can be so violent.”

I just don’t know how someone can be so violent...

Jones’ lawyer, James Burke offered little in mitigation, aside from that his client had emotional and developmental issues in childhood.

But given that Jones had pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm at the first opportunity in magistrate's court, Mr Burke asked that he be given the maximum possible reduction in sentence.

The court heard Jones, of Overbrook Road in Gloucester, currently works in a fast food restaurant and has nine previous convictions, including one for battery in 2021.

Jones appeared in court wearing a grey tracksuit and trainers. Handing down his sentence, Recorder Daniel Stevenson addressed him directly.

“Your conduct outside the club was completely unnecessary,” said Recorder Stevenson.

“You squared up to Mr Allen, punching him with force to the face and leaving him with two fractures.

“He couldn’t work for three weeks and suffered depression afterwards.

“In your statement, you blame the two men for provoking you, but I am satisfied that this was nothing more than you under the influence of alcohol, throwing your weight around.

“From reading the letter you have written to me, I do consider that you are genuinely sorry for the harm you caused to Mr Allen.

“I am bound to say that you have come very close to going to prison today, but I am just persuaded [to spare you immediate custody].”

Jones was given a six-month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months.

He must also comply with a a 90-day period of electronically monitored alcohol abstinence and complete 30 rehabilitation sessions.

Over the next year, he must also complete 200 hours of unpaid work and pay his victim £1,200 in compensation.

Jones declined to comment when approached by KentOnline after the hearing.