A thug who viciously attacked another man outside a bar with a knuckleduster has been jailed for more than six years.

Louis Simmons left Jack Wagon with “nasty” cuts to his head and face in Maidstone town centre and then walked off.

Maidstone Crown Court heard the victim had watched a boxing match at the Century Club in town on March 4 last year.

At about 11pm, he and friends decided to go to The Brenchley pub in the High Street, but as they left they heard some men “having words”.

Prosecutor Martin Yale said Mr Wagon made a comment it was nothing to do with him and he was not getting involved. He was then struck and fell, dazed, to the ground.

Simmons walked off towards Gabriel’s Hill. Two men followed him. One went back and alerted security staff at the bar.

When the other man confronted 23-year-old Simmons he hurled racist abuse at him and put his hands down the back of his jeans as if reaching for a weapon, saying: “I am going to do you.”

When the other man returned, Simmons threatened: “Do you want some?”

The police arrived and arrested him. He told officers: “These two black blokes started on me, and I won’t lie to you, I was scared.”

The area was searched and the knuckleduster was found under a car near Gala Bingo. Swabs were taken from it and DNA profiles matched Simmons’. Further profiles matched the victim.

Mr Wagon was treated at Pembury Hospital for a deep wound to his right eye and another below his nose. The eye wound was glued and the other cut was stitched.

Simmons, formerly of Bower Place, Maidstone, admitted wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, possessing an offensive weapon and racially aggravated fear of violence.

He was sentenced to six years and five months for wounding and nine months concurrent on each of the other offences.

Investigating officer, DC Emma Allison said: "This attack caused the victim to fall to the ground and strike his head on the pavement, resulting in the need for several stitches at hospital.

"As well as the physical scars caused by Simmons’ mindless actions, incidents such as these can often cause victims profound stress and anxiety, for many years to come.

"I would like to thank all those who assisted to bring this man to justice including the two members of the public who intervened as he tried to leave the scene.

"It is entirely right that Simmons has received this prison sentence."