A NIGHTCLUB bouncer who was seriously provoked by a drunken customer has escaped a jail term after admitting inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Andrew White, a lead doorman at Marilyns Leisure, Evesham, was punched for no reason by Mark West, who had been drinking and had won the jackpot on a fruit machine. White retaliated by pushing Mr West to the floor and punching him five times in the face. His nose was broken and cheekbone fractured.

White, aged 51, of Meadow View, Stourport, was given a 15- month prison sentence suspended for 18 months and ordered to pay £500 costs. He must also go on a specific activity course devised by the probation service.

Glyn Samuel, prosecuting at Worcester Crown Court, said 30- year-old Mr West had several convictions for violence. He had cut the doorman’s eye in his unprovoked attack.

Barry Newton, mitigating, said White had tried to restrain Mr West. He may have been acting in selfdefence but had used excessive force. He and his partner had a 10- year-old son who needed constant attention.

Judge Robert Juckes QC said White had obviously lost control when he should not have responded to aggression. As a result, he had lost his job.