A DOORMAN who overreacted to the persistence of a drunken customer he had only just ejected from a bar has been spared a prison sentence.

But Marc Evans left Durham Crown Court with a total bill of £1,270, in fines, compensation and costs.

The court heard that as he did not receive a custodial sentence, suspended or immediate, Evans, who is of previous good character, can now apply for the return of his doorman’s licence.

Martin Towers, prosecuting, said the customer was in a group who had been drinking in the bar, Utopia, off Front Street, Chester-le-Street, from about mid-day on Friday March 3, 2018.

Mr Towers said at about 7pm a friend of the customer fell over and was being attended by bar staff.

The customer went over and was told to keep out of the way while staff dealt with the situation, but as he did not leave it there, he was escorted out, as was his friend.

But Mr Towers said the complainant tried to get back in, climbing a spiral stair case to the door, where Evans turned and forcibly pushed him away.

He landed on his back and suffered a fractured hip, which required hospital treatment, and for which he was off work, as a builder, for three weeks.

Evans, 37, of Norman Avenue, Sunderland, denied causing grievous bodily harm with intent, unlawful wounding and an actual bodily harm assault.

But on the second day of his trial, he changed his plea and admitted the unlawful wounding charge, which was considered “acceptable” by the prosecution.

Helen Towers, for Evans, said it was the only blemish on his record, having served with the Household Cavalry, and as a doorman, since 2006.

Judge Jonathan Carroll told Evans he had every right to eject the customer, but added: “There was a degree of provocation and, in frustration, there was a loss of temper and a loss of your normal self-control.

“I’m quite sure you did not wish him to suffer any injury.”

He fined Evans £700, with £300 compensation to the victim and £270 in costs and surcharge.