A FORMER nightclub bouncer who hit out with a wooden baton in a Kidderminster street has been ordered to pay £300 compensation to his victim.

Kevin Yarranton, 33, of Old Ford Walk, Walshes estate, Stourport, pleaded guilty at Worcester Crown Court to assaulting James White causing him actual bodily harm.

Judge John Cavell said he wanted to order Yarranton to do unpaid work for the community. But this was impossible because Yarranton was on invalidity benefit and awaiting a shoulder operation.

At an earlier hearing, the court was told Yarranton was only 5ft 3in tall and carried out a difficult job as a nightclub bouncer through tact and diplomacy.

His victim in the street attack at 1.30am last November was a foot taller than him.

Miss Abilgail Nixon, prosecuting, said Yarranton struck Mr White on the arms, legs and body with the baton. He needed hospital treatment for bruising and a cut.

When arrested, Yarranton said he was trying to defend himself. He alleged a row had started because the injured party recognised him as the bouncer who had thrown him out of the Zanzibar nightclub on a previous occasion.

Yarranton, who had no previous convictions, recognised it was a "shameful" incident, said his barrister, Michael Aspinall. But he had recently married and taken on responsibility for boys aged three and five. He was supporting the family and giving the boys fatherly care.