An engineer broke a man's nose before hurling racial abuse at another as a nightclub brawl spilled out onto the street.

Jarrad Hargreaves had been celebrating a friend's 23rd birthday at Mu Mu in Week Street, Maidstone, on January 20 when a fight broke out.

The 22-year-old had first been approached by an unknown man who had become aggressive close to the club's toilets.

Hargreaves' girlfriend tried to diffuse the situation and a misunderstanding with a bouncer led to her being dragged away and the situation escalated.

During a hearing at Maidstone Magistrates' Court on Friday, Hargreaves a mechanical engineer from Hoo admitted one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, racially aggravated harassment and assault by beating.

James Nichols, prosecuting the case, said Anthony Clarke tried to stop the fight before he was attacked.

He said: "The evening in question was at Mu Mu in Maidstone and it appears he was involved in a fight.

"The first victim, Mr Clarke, tried to intervene to stop the defendant. He was then punched himself and knocked to the ground.

"Mr Clarke threw punches in self-defence. The two were separated by customers in the club.

"Mr Hargreaves was ejected from the club and again attacked Mr Clarke.

"Another member of the public, Duane Spencer, came to Mr Clarke’s aid and restrained Mr Hargreaves on the floor.

"He made an abusive remark to Mr Spencer. Mr Clarke was left with a broken nose as a result of the assault."

There had been a moment of confusion when a bouncer thought Hargreaves' girlfriend was causing trouble but the bouncer later apologised.

Hargreaves had suggested the unknown victim of the assault charge had also been causing trouble and magistrates were told he was also injured during the incident.

Chairman of the bench Adrian Atmore told Hargreaves he was close to being sent to prison but was instead handed a 18-month community order.

He was also banned from Mu Mu nightclub for 18 months.

Mr Atmore said: "This behaviour is totally unacceptable. People in that nightclub were there for a nice evening and you were there punching away.

"This has been your lucky day..." Adrian Atmore

"We also heard you deflect responsibility. You can tell by the length of time we have been discussing your behaviour and the effect going to prison would have on you.

"I’ve got to look you in the eye and tell you you have come extremely close to going to prison.

"This has been your lucky day."

Hargreaves, of Linton Dann Close, will have to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

He was ordered to pay £85 costs and a victim surcharge of £85.

The court also told him he would have to pay Mr Clarke £1,000 in compensation and £500 to Mr Spencer.