Man kicked woman's face '˜like he was taking a penalty' during drunken fight outside Luton nightclub

The incident occurred outside Flame Nightclub (pictured)

In the early hours of December 27 last year Joshua Scrutton, 18, and a friend became embroiled in an argument with two women outside Flame Nightclub, on Wellington Street, Luton.

During the fracas one of the two women fell to the floor and was twice kicked in the head by Scrutton, of Little Berries, Luton,

This morning Luton Crown Court heard that the 18-year-old then decided to take a run up and kick the woman again – this time with ‘considerable force’ in the face.

The victim suffered two black eyes, nose cartilage damage, cuts and repeated blackouts following the attack.

She required a CT scan, ten days off work and still suffers from vision problems, prosecutor Michael Speak told the hearing.

After being arrested Scrutton admitted to police that during the day he had drunk seven pints of Fosters, two glasses of Jack Daniels, 12 tequila shots, six or seven Jack Daniels and coke, three Desperados and more.

On a 1-10 scale of how drunk he had been, Scrutton told police he was a nine or ten.

Mr Speak said: “The defendant in his interview said he was drunk, that he thought someone had punched him and saw a person he thought was a man.

“He said if he had known it was a woman he would not have struck out at all.”

He added: “(Scrutton) said he had been shocked by the CCTV footage and could not believe he kicked her three times.

“He played football and agreed he did seem to take a run and deliver a kick like a penalty.”

Scrutton, who had already pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm, was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

He was ordered to complete 250 hours unpaid work and has been handed a four month curfew.

He must also pay £1000 compensation to the victim, at a rate of £80 per month.

Judge Richard Foster slammed the 18-year-old for “disgusting and thuggish” behaviour and told him that it was only his remorse and previous good character that prevented him from receiving an immediate custodial sentence.