A DRUNKEN off-duty nightclub bouncer was sacked after attacking two people at the venue on his night off, a court heard yesterday.

Gareth Lunt attacked a man and his partner after an argument on the dancefloor of Flares, in Darlington, on the night of June 15.

The male victim needed hospital treatment after being repeatedly punched in the head, and his girlfriend was also punched after trying to intervene.

Yesterday, at Darlington Magistrates' Court, Lunt was ordered to pay £220 compensation to the couple. He admitted two charges of assault.

Lunt, of Bullamoor Road, Northallerton, has lost his job at the club, in Skinnergate.

Jacqueline Gibson, prosecuting, said Lunt had been out drinking for much of the day after a family bereavement.

An argument broke out between Lunt and the victim.

Ms Gibson said: "He (Lunt) pulled him down towards the floor and began to punch him in the head.

"The victim's partner tried to intervene, when she also has been punched in the face by the defendant, near her left eye."

In mitigation, Alan Green said Lunt had no memory of the attack.

"He cannot understand his behaviour," he said. "He bitterly regrets this situation."

As well as the compensation, Lunt was ordered to pay a £150 fine and £34 court costs.