A drunk thug who tried to stab a pub doorman after he was refused entry has walked free from court.

David Horsley's lawyer had conceded that only an immediate prison sentence was appropriate.

But a judge said it "would be right" to suspend a two-year sentence for two years with conditions of supervision and 300 hours' unpaid work.

Horsley was caught on CCTV cameras lunging at burly bouncer Craig Le-Mare outside The Cricketers in Rainham High Street.

Mr Le-Mare reacted by knocking the 43-year-old scaffolder to the ground with a single punch. Horsley later expressed surprise that he was not punched more.

Horsley, of Orchard Street, Gillingham, admitted attempted wounding with intent and having a bladed article.

"He drank a huge amount of alcohol. I don't say anything other than a custodial sentence is appropriate..." - Charles Langley, defending

Maidstone Crown Court heard Horsley was turned away from the pub on the evening of May 2 this year because he was wearing work clothes.

He became aggressive, shouting and swearing and pushed one of the doormen. He was restrained and ushered to the road.

Prosecutor Peter Forbes said Horsley returned six minutes later with a kitchen knife in his hand and lunged twice at Mr Le-Mare - described as "very big indeed".

"He managed to block him," said Mr Forbes. "A further thrust went past his face. He punched the defendant and knocked him to the ground."

Judge Martin Joy was shown the CCTV footage of both incidents.

Charles Langley, defending, said Horsley was extremely remorseful. "He was very drunk," he said. "He drank a huge amount of alcohol. I don't say anything other than a custodial sentence is appropriate."

Mr Langley said Horsley had never been in trouble before. He was hard working and looked after his ailing father. He was attending Alcoholics Anonymous.

"He has given up alcohol completely," he added. "He has responded very well to this dark period in his life. He is utterly disgusted with his actions.

"He would like to meet Mr Le-Mare and offer him an apology. He said Mr Le-Mare's actions were justified. He was surprised he was only punched once.

"He said he deserved more and that he deserved to go to prison."

Mr Langley asked the judge to allow Horsley "some light in the tunnel", adding: "This is a case where you can pass a far more lenient sentence than you would otherwise do."

Judge Joy said it was an extremely difficult sentencing exercise. A probation report stated prison was not appropriate as it would impact on Horsley's family and break his link with AA.

"I have to have regard to public safety," said the judge. "Knife crime has to be stamped on. The facts of this case are serious. A non-custodial sentence simply cannot be justified."

But he added that Horsley had considerable insight into his situation.

"I take into account this was an attempt and not the full offence," he said. "No injury resulted."