Doorman who once saved a man’s life broke reveller’s jaw outside club

A “hero” doorman, who was once commended for saving a person’s life, fractured a reveller’s jaw outside a nightclub.

Derby Crown Court heard how “the red mist came down” on David Young after he refused the victim entry to the nightspot. The fatherof-three delivered a “slap” but hit the man so hard he now has screws and metal plates fitted from surgery.

A judge spared 35-year-old Young immediate custody and instead handed him an 18-month community order. He must also pay his victim £1,000.

Judge Shaun Smith QC said: “It is not very often that somebody with such good character as yourself appears before the court having committed an offence while in employment where he is highly respected, but that’s what you did and for reasons only you will ever know the red mist came down with this particular member of the public.

“You were a hero doorman having saved the life of a man in Sheffield one New Year’s Eve. You were given a police commendation for that, you were someone of decent, moral character. This was a disastrous one second in your life, you have lost your job and you can never go back to working in an industry you enjoyed so much.”

Eddie Leonard, prosecuting, said the incident took place at The Vibe nightclub, in Chesterfield, on April 20, 2019. She said the victim was refused entry and asked why.

Miss Leonard said: “He (the victim) backed away towards a taxi when the defendant delivered one blow to the face. It was not a punch, more like and open-handed slap.”

Young, of Horbury Road, Wakefield, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning grievous bodily harm.

Gregor Purcell, mitigating, said his client has three daughters and since the incident has twice been diagnosed with cancer.

He said: “He has lost his employment which he excelled at and now works valeting cars and also has had work as a security guard at a supermarket and he was commended for that. Through his plea he says sorry.”