A pub doorman who used excessive violence when dealing with an aggressive drunk has been jailed for three years.

Carl Morgan was caught on CCTV cameras pushing Kyle Jones to the ground and stamping on his head.

A judge told the 38-year-old former soldier he took into account there was provocation but said the self-defence he used was excessive.

Morgan, of Greenfield Road, Gillingham, admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Maidstone Crown Court heard Morgan was working at the Green Lion in Rainham High Street on May 2 last year when he and another doorman were subjected to verbal and physical aggression by Jones and another man.

Judge Philip St John-Stevens said Morgan and his colleague tried to placate the "drunken, aggressive men" and were carrying out their job in a professional way.

"I have no doubt you were severely provoked," he told Morgan. "You tried to usher them away from the public house."

But he was clearly seen on the CCTV footage pushing Mr Jones to the ground and stamping on his head twice and kicking him in the face once.

The victim suffered concussion and was unconscious for a while. Some weeks later he was still suffering headaches and nausea.

"The actions of stamping on his skull with the intent of causing grievous bodily harm could have resulted in injury which could have been more serious," the judge told Morgan.

"You are a mature and intelligent man and can appreciate that. It is clear you have empathy and understanding of what you have done."

Judge St John-Stevens said Morgan had a large number of qualifications and achievements and was a hard working man.

He had worked in rugby and helped others. He left the Army with an exemplary record and commendations.

But the judge added there had to be custody and three years was the least sentence he could pass.