Rhys Matthews and his brother Jordan Vincent were in Bandbox in June last year when Matthews headbutted Joseph Porter on the forehead, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

Lynne Shirley, prosecuting, told the court that Matthews had previously been in a relationship with a woman who was in the nightclub with Mr Porter and during the evening Vincent had approached the woman and had sworn at her and asked her what she was doing.

Matthews had then come over and headbutted Mr Porter who was dazed and fell to the floor.

The couple had left to get a taxi and Matthews had been abusive to his former partner. She had later received a text from Matthews saying he hoped she hadn’t gone to the police, said Miss Shirley.

As a result of the incident Mr Porter suffered bruising to his eyes and an egg-sized lump to his forehead.

Matthews, 21, of Kingsbury Road, Trimley St Mary, admitted affray and Vincent, 24, of Highfield Road, Felixstowe, admitted threatening behaviour.

Matthews was given a 12 month community order, a 20 day rehabilitation activity requirement and was ordered to pay £50 compensation to Mr Porter.

Vincent was given a two year community order, a 15 day rehabilitation activity requirement and was ordered to do 120 hours unpaid work in the community. He was also ordered to pay £50 prosecution costs.

Sentencing the men, Judge David Goodin described the incident as “ugly and frightening”.

Joe Bird, representing Matthews, said the incident happened more than a year ago and his client regretted his behaviour. He said Matthews, who was of previous good character, wanted to join the army and his conviction for affray would have an impact on that ambition.

Steven Dyble, for Vincent, said there was no suggestion that his client and his brother had been behaving badly before the incident involving Mr Porter.

He said Vincent had approached his brother’s ex-girlfriend to suggest she and Mr Porter should go elsewhere and had been facing the other way when his brother attacked Mr Porter.