A man who assaulted a female door staff member at an Ipswich nightspot while drunk has been given a community order.

Reuben Ashbrook, of St Helen’s Street, Ipswich, pleaded guilty at South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court to assaulting Carri Kurcek at KC nightclub on the Cornhill.

Prosecutor Tess Mann said door staff received a report at 3.40am on April 9 from a woman who was annoyed with Ashbrook.

Carri Kurcek went outside and dealt with the situation by getting between Ashbrook and the woman.

Ashbrook pushed his hands towards the door worker’s face, but did not make contact.

Colleagues moved Ashbrook away, although he was still being abusive to the woman who was annoyed with him. Both were told to leave the area. However, Ashbrook returned five to 10 minutes later and was asked to leave.

The court was told he said sorry, but was speaking aggressively.

He was told to leave again and he responded by swearing.

Ms Kurcek and two other door staff moved Ashbrook by using the open palms of their hands.

Ashbrook then kicked Ms Kurcek making contact with her hand.

He was restrained on the ground and police were called.

Ms Kurcek was left with swelling to three of her fingers.

Magistrates heard Ashbrook had a previous conviction for assaulting a constable, as well as two other offences, in November last year.

Lyndon Davies, representing Ashbrook, said he had consumed too much alcohol on the night of the assault outside KCs and a family friend had taken it upon herself to ‘have a go at him’.

Mr Davies said: “Mr Ashbrook accepts he was completely out of order with the way he behaved afterwards.

“He should have simply gone home and left it at that.”.

Ashbrook was sentenced to a 12-month community order with 100 hours’ unpaid work.

He must also pay compensation of £50 to Ms Kurcek.

In addition Ashbrook was ordered to pay £85 costs and another £85 to the victims’ fund.