A shocked judge has slammed a nightclub after bouncers stood by and watched a thug - fuelled by a "lethal" cocktail of drink and drugs - attack another man, fracturing his eye socket.

Two of the doormen at Life in Sittingbourne High Street even shook Leigh Church's hand afterwards - and then allowed him back into the club.

Despite the vicious assault he walked free with a suspended sentence - but was hit by a heavy financial penalty of £750 compensation to victim Anthony Quish.

Church, 28, avoided jail after Judge Julian Smith heard he was dealing with his addictions, he would lose his job if locked up and he was building bridges with his child after being denied contact by his ex-girlfriend.

The judge watched CCTV footage of the violence and declared: "I have to say the deficiencies in the door staff that night are as bad as I have seen.

"They walk away allowing a much fitter and younger man, clearly enraged looking to assault and injure the victim, to get on with it.

"Two of them shook his hand as he made his way back into the club they are responsible for."

The judge added: "I am astonished the police haven’t reviewed the CCTV at the very least to put these men forward for further training or review their licences. It is extraordinary."

Church, of School Lane, Iwade, was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months after admitting inflicting grievous bodily harm.

He will be under supervision and have to undergo alcohol treatment for six months.

Prosecutor Abigail Husbands told Maidstone Crown Court Mr Quish had left the club on July 19 last year and was standing talking to door staff when Church approached and picked a fight with him.

Judge Smith said Church was "dancing like a boxer" as he punched the victim.

Mr Quish had fractures to his face and a plate had to be inserted into his eye socket. He has since suffered blurred vision and numbness to his face and had to take time off work.

"You danced like a boxer and struck blows with sufficient force which caused him to undergo surgery. He is still suffering consequences. He is lucky not to have suffered worse...." - Judge Julian Smith

Miss Husbands said Church had seven previous convictions for 10 offences, including actual bodily harm and common assault.

Sara Haroon, defending, said Church was horrified at the consequences to the victim.

He had sought to deal with his addiction to drink and drugs. He has ADHD and was to be assessed for a bipolar condition.

"His drink and drug problem stems from a broken relationship in 2013," said Miss Haroon. "He has a daughter, aged six. His ex-partner refused him contact for a considerable period.

"Contact has started and it has made him address his problems. His actions were fuelled by a lethal cocktail of drink and drugs.

"He would lose his job if sent into custody and it would have an impact on the relationship he has built with his child.

"He is in a new relationship and a baby is due in February next year."

Judge Smith gestured with his fingers as he told Church: "You have come this close to an immediate custodial sentence.

"I was uncertain just how grave an offence this was until I saw that recording, as you danced like a boxer and struck blows with sufficient force which caused him to undergo surgery.

"He is still suffering consequences. He is lucky not to have suffered worse. There is no clear explanation as to what it was that caused you to lose your temper.

"There is a persistence and determination there which causes me real concern. You could have no complaint if you received a custodial sentence immediately.

"But the reality is, if I were to impose a custodial sentence you would be entitled to time spent on a curfew. You would go into prison and you would not learn a great deal from it.

"You would suffer and be punished, but you would lose your job, the relationship with your daughter and - this is the important part - you have worked very hard to address drink and alcohol.

"You have made efforts to address your cocaine habit and binge drinking. That gives me some real hope for the future that you are now beginning to mature."

Judge Smith added: "There is reason to believe you can be trusted sufficiently to be given a chance. This is no easy option. It is a huge commitment on your time.

"It is the last chance. Don't waste it."

Church was ordered to pay the compensation at the rate of £150 a month.

Following the hearing, Kent Police responded to the judge's criticism.

A spokesman said: "The suspect was identified by police who reviewed CCTV footage.

"Licensing officers regularly liaise with venues to check they are adhering to the conditions of their licence and it is the responsibility of licensed venues to arrange training for their door staff."