AN American post graduate student is free to return to his home country after meeting a compensation payment to a doorman whose jaw he broke in a nightclub clash.

Kenyatte Allen was unhappy at being asked to go to the back of the queue outside Players Bar, in Walkergate, Durham, late on January 15.

Allen, who was alleged to have queue jumped with a female companion, accused the door staff of singling him out because of his race.

After being pushed away by a doorman, he punched him forcibly to the jaw.

On getting up, the disorientated doorman was struck again by Allen, suffering a sharp pain and feeling blood gushing from his mouth.

Durham Crown Court, sitting in Newcastle, was told the doorman had to have metal plates and pins inserted to stabilise his fractured jaw.

In the immediate aftermath he felt it undermined his confidence to work as a store security officer, as well as his part-time role on the doors.

When interviewed, the 25-year-old defendant, who has been living at a temporary address in Framwellgate Moor, Durham, denied behaving aggressively and claimed he was acting in self-defence.

He previously denied inflicting grievous bodily harm but changed his plea to guilty at a hearing earlier last week, during which Judge James Adkin told Allen he needed to raise £500 to pay the doorman compensation before he would sentence him.

The case was adjourned to Friday, when it was confirmed the money had been deposited with the court.

Chris Morrison, for Allen, said it was paid, “at the first practical opportunity.”

Mr Morrison previously told the court that Allen concluded his studies on a scholarship at Durham University last year, and only returned to the city in January to attend his graduation.

He was out on the night in question to celebrate his qualification.

Mr Morrison said the defendant, who hopes to play US Football professionally in Europe in future, was eager to return home to see his family in Atlanta, Georgia, in the current climate.

Judge Adkin, who was presented with a number of “glowing references” as to Allen’s, “positive good character”, said that would stand him in good stead only on this occasion.

He passed a 14-month prison sentence, suspended for a year, and warned Allen any further offending in this country would result in an immediate jail term.

The judge added: “You are described as intelligent, capable, dedicated and a responsible young man, features that were not all that evident that night, fighting outside a nightclub.”