by Julia Roberts

A thug who repeatedly punched a man outside a Dartford nightclub avoided being sent to prison today.

Bradlee Reeve struck his victim Alfie Eastwood several times, knocking him to the ground, where he was then kicked by Reeve’s friend, Harry Simpson.

The violence continued as more people joined the melee, Maidstone Crown Court heard. Mr Eastwood’s brother, William Harber, intervened by throwing a plastic bottle over people’s heads.

However, when that failed to bring an end to the trouble outside Air and Breathe in Kent Road he pulled out a pen-knife and began waving it around.
The court was told the whole incident in October lasted about a minute.

Today, all three were in the dock. Reeve, 21, of Chapman Road, Belvedere, and Simpson, 20, of Brookdene Road, Woolwich, both admitted affray, while 34-year-old Harber, of Beechword Drive, Meopham, admitted using threatening behaviour.

Reeve and Simpson were both sentenced to six months custody suspended for a year. Reeve must also carry out 200 hours unpaid work.

Harber was made subject to a community order and must perform 100 hours unpaid work. He was not charged with any offence in relation to the knife as it is not illegal to own a pen-knife.

Prosecutor Alex Woods said violence broke out just after midnight and was captured on CCTV.

As well as attacking Mr Eastwood, Simpson was seen punching a man - believed to be Harber - to the back of his head.

Both Reeve and Mr Eastwood had to be treated in hospital for their injuries.
John Norton, defending Reeve, said the trouble flared outside the club after Reeve had been assaulted in the toilets.

“As he left the club he recognised his assailant...They were shouting and hollering and he was forced into the middle of the group. He was dazed from being knocked out in the club’s toilets.

“But he took a course of action which he now realises was stupid, foolish and one he bitterly regrets.”

Gareth Morley, defending Simpson, said his client kicked Mr Eastwood once to the body and threw one punch.

“His friend was involved in a fight and, stupidly perhaps and no doubt drink played a part, he joined in.”

Charles Falk, defending Harber, said the father-of-two had the pen-knife as he uses it on a daily basis to tend horses.
The court heard it had even been handed back to him by door staff after he was searched going into the club.

Mr Falk added that Harber was not involved in the assault on Reeve in the toilets and had only gone outside after being told his brother was unconscious in the street.

He said Harber tried to get people to move away from his brother, and that his reaction of throwing the plastic bottle and then waving his knife around was “impulsive and provoked”.

“He was completely outnumbered and surrounded by six to one,” added Mr Falk.