A trainee electrician who slapped a woman and punched her husband to the ground at a taxi rank has been spared jail.

Alfie Davey had been drinking vodka and lemonade with friends at home before heading to Maidstone for a night out on October 28.

The 21-year-old pushed in front of Damon and Lisa Lau as they waited for a cab in King Street, shortly after midnight, before attacking the couple.

Mr Lau was knocked to the floor and suffered a split lip while his wife’s face was left swollen in the wake of the sickening ordeal.

Davey, of Yew Tree Close, Chatham, handed a letter to magistrates during a hearing to say how sorry he was and admitted two counts of common assault. He was given just 40 hours of unpaid work.

David Fairest, prosecuting the case at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court, said: “This took place at 12.20am and the victims were waiting for a taxi home.

“While they were waiting Mr Davey pushed in front of them to get into the taxi. This led to a dispute in which Mr Davey became aggressive and abusive.

“Mrs Lau tried to diffuse the situation and Mr Davey slapped her in the face. He then punched Mr Lau multiple times knocking him to the ground.”

In a statement read out at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court, Mr Lau said the incident had “ruined a really good night”.

It said: “There is no excuse for a male to lash out at a female.

“His behaviour was stupid and immature and with some reflection he will realise this. There was no excuse for this whatsoever.”

The bench heard Davey had no recollection of the event but has had flashbacks since.

On top of his community order, he must pay £152 in compensation to Mr Lau as well as £85 court costs and a victim surcharge of £85.