by Paul Hooper

A nightclubber was beaten up – after two “fashionista” thugs took exception to his dress sense.

Innocent Jordan Cleary was punched 30 times and kicked after the bullies taunted him that his clothes didn’t fit properly.

But a judge heard that his attackers, Dennis Neame, 20 of Noah’s Ark Road, Dover and pal Reece Dodd, 19, of The Ardo, Hastingleigh, Ashford...were wearing cowboy boots and a silver jacket!

Prosecutor James Bilsland told Canterbury Crown Court how three friends - including the victim - had been to The Liquid Nightclub in July last year.

The group, who had met up with some female friends, left the club and went outside where the drunken pair were standing after being refused entry.

“The group then decided to go to another nightclub called Hustle and they started to walk across a park near the Stour Centre in Ashford.

“Dodd was wearing cowboy boots. It was then that Neame, who was wearing a silver jacket, began making personal comments against Mr Cleary, saying his clothes were ill-fitting.

“Mr Cleary felt insulted and said: “’What’s up with my clothes?’ Neame then punched him in the face knocking him the ground.”

Mr Bilsland said that the victim suffered a nasty head injury but the prosecution couldn’t prove if it had been caused by hitting a tree truck as he fell or by the punches and kicks which followed.

Canterbury Crown Court, where the pair were sentenced

Two other youngsters tried to intervene but were threatened by Dodd, who then pushed away one of the girls, Candace Evans and “threatened her with violence.”

Ms Evans later told police how Dodd had been shouting to his pal: “Go on boy, give it to him” as he continued the attack on the injured Mr Cleary.

“Dodd then punched Mr Cleary and kicked him in the head leaving a ring mark on his face. When he was arrested police found a substantial amount of blood on his boots, “ he added.

Ms Evans later told officers: “Dennis was punching Jordan with a clenched fist to the head. He kept punching him about 30 times. He wouldn’t stop. He was also kicking him a number of times.

"this was a sustained assault of the type that could have resulted in very serious injuries indeed" – judge heather norton

“Dennis then shoved his fingers in Jordan’s eyes.”

Simon Taylor for Neame, who admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm said: “Generally he is a truly good person. This offence was an aberration. And he is not a binge drinker.”

He said that the roofer had been at a family funeral during the day “and his emotions were wrought”.

Mr David Griffiths for Dodd, a labourer, claimed he was “genuinely remorseful” preferring “country pursuits” like “fishing, his dogs and horses” to drinking.

Judge Heath Norton gave the two 21 month jail sentences suspended for two years after they admitted inflicted grievous bodily harm and ordered them to do 200 hours of unpaid work.

Dodd and Neame were also told they had each to pay £250 compensation – and will have to remain at their homes between 9pm and 6am for the next six months.

She told them: “You two were out that night drinking, and drinking to excess. This was a sustained assault of the type that could have resulted in very serious injuries indeed.”