A bouncer who exploded in road rage and attacked another driver when late for work has been spared a jail sentence.

But Nathan Alpe’s conviction for assault causing actual bodily harm meant that he had lost his licence and his job as a doorman.

Victim Mustafa Ahmad left a car park in the centre of Maidstone at about 9pm on October 18 2014 and stopped at traffic lights in Mill Street.

Prosecutor Ben Irwin said Alpe, 33, was running late for work and pulled out of the line of traffic to continue his journey.

Mr Ahmad had to take evasive action his car and beeped his horn to remonstrate, Mr Irwin told Maidstone Crown Court.

“The sadness for you is that because of your momentary loss of self-control you have now lost your job, and that is a very real punishment” - Judge Philip Statman

Powerfully built Alpe got out of his Audi car, went over to Mr Ahmad and unleashed a flurry of blows, leaving him with a cut to his head which had to be glued in hospital.

“He did nothing to provoke him, other than beeping his horn, which is no provocation,” said Mr Irwin.

Alpe, who is 6ft 2in tall, admitted the offence and was sentenced to six months imprisonment suspended for two years.

He will also have to complete 120 hours unpaid work and pay the victim £300 compensation.

Nina Tavakoli, defending, said Alpe and his partner were expecting their first child in June.

“He wants to be a good and responsible father and set an example,” she said. “He is very sorry. He has lost his job. Because of this crime he will lose his licence.”

Judge Philip Statman said: “He would have to show a considerable amount of discipline and control of temper. It seems to have been an aberration to get out of his car.

He told Alpe: “You for whatever reason saw red. Mr Ahmad had done absolutely nothing wrong. You now tell me you are sorry for what you have done.

“The sadness for you is that because of your momentary loss of self-control you have now lost your job, and that is a very real punishment.”

The judge ordered the compensation to be paid at the rate of £15 a week.