Drunk man slapped a security guard so hard she went deaf for two months avoids jail 

A drunk man who hurled vile racist abuse and slapped a female security guard at a party celebrating ethnic diversity has avoided jail.

Intoxicated Barry Danes, 34, struck Bethany Stone with such force that she lost her hearing for two months.

A court heard that the 6’3″ man then hurled racist abuse at revellers celebrating a ‘people of colour’ event at around 2.40am on February 25, as he stood outside Alberry’s bar in Canterbury, Kent.

Danes pleaded guilty to occasioning actual bodily harm and racially aggravated abuse and was handed a suspended sentence at Canterbury Crown Court.

Six-foot-three Barry Danes, 34, slapped female security guard Bethany Stone with such force that she lost her hearing for two months at about 2.40am on February, 25, 2022  at Alberry’s bar in Canterbury

Danes, who has 18 convictions for 39 offences, then hurled racist abuse at revellers celebrating a ‘people of colour’ event at the wine bar before he was forced out the door on to the street

He was also ordered to remain sober for four months.

A court heard how the violence erupted when Danes became involved in a row outside the nightspot before charging through the front door.

After doorman Miss Stone confronted him, Danes instantly slapped her around the head, causing her to become stunned.

Danes then fought a guest after shouting vile language towards black people, CCTV footage played in court showed.

Moments later Danes was ‘forced out of the door onto the street, from where he fled,’ said Andrew Forsythe, prosecuting.

Four weeks later Kent Police circulated CCTV stills, leading to Danes’ arrest and court appearance.

Miss Stone told the court she was unable to hear for two months following the assault, which left her feeling anxious around males while at work.

Danes, from Sittingbourne, who has 18 convictions for 39 offences, told the court he had no recollection of his actions.

Handing down 11 months custody suspended for two years, Judge Simon Taylor KC ordered Danes to stay sober for the best part of four months.

He pleaded guilty at Canterbury Crown Court was given 11 months custody suspended for two years. He was also ordered to stay sober for 120 days and complete 250 hours of unpaid work and pay £1,000 compensation to Miss Stone and £500 in court costs

The judge branded his racist language ‘disgusting’, but said his recent four years of staying out of trouble, alongside a positive work record, allowed him to suspend the jail term.

Danes will now be fitted with a tag able to detect alcohol levels through his sweat.

Judge Taylor KC added: ‘For some reason you slapped Miss Stone to the left side of the head.

‘It was one blow but it did cause her to fall, and left her briefly dazed.’

He ordered Danes, of Swanstree Avenue, to complete 250 hours of unpaid work and pay £1,000 compensation to Miss Stone and £500 in court costs.

His barrister said: ‘Mr Danes appreciates the alcohol abstention program won’t be at all easy for him.’