Home   Canterbury   News   Article

Bouncer attacked at Chemistry Nightclub in Canterbury by Alfie McGilvray

A drunken thug punched a doorman in the face and split his lip after being refused entry to a club because he was so intoxicated.

Alfie McGilvray had been on a night out with friends in Canterbury when they decided they wanted to be let into the VIP area of Chemistry Nightclub.

But the 26-year-old was taken to one side by a doorman as he thought he was too drunk to be allowed in.

Alfie McGilvray attacked a bouncer at Chemistry Nightclub. Picture: Google
Alfie McGilvray attacked a bouncer at Chemistry Nightclub. Picture: Google

He said the others in his party could gain entry.

As the doorman tried to explain to McGilvray he was too intoxicated because he had been staggering on his approach to the venue, he became aggressive and punched the doorman in the side of his face.

He lost his balance and became dizzy, but McGilvray continued to throw punches until other staff came to their colleague's aid.

The doorman suffered a cut to his lip, both inside and out, which needed eight stitches when he sought treatment at hospital.

McGilvray was arrested and later charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The case was heard at Canterbury Crown Court
The case was heard at Canterbury Crown Court

But he failed to show up for a hearing at magistrates court and a warrant was issued for his arrest, but he was not apprehended for some time.

Police finally caught up with him in March and he was arrested to appear at appear at Canterbury Crown Court.

McGilvray had initially denied the allegation and his case was going to be set for trial, but after viewing CCTV footage of the incident, he changed his plea to guilty.

He appeared before Judge Catherine Brown on Tuesday, June 18, for sentencing.

The court heard he was on also on a suspended sentence he’d been given for an affray conviction at Kingston Crown Court when he attacked the doorman.

"You've got an unenviable record for a man of your age... frankly, stop drinking as you clearly can't hold your drink" - judge Catherine Brown

While in the dock McGilvray admitted the breach and failing to turn up at magistrates court for an earlier hearing.

Steven Attridge prosecuting told the court the doorman had to take about two weeks off work unpaid because of his injuries.

He also revealed McGilvray had 16 convictions for 17 offences including dishonesty and drug matters, battery and affray convictions and had previously failed to comply with court orders.

Daniel Stevens defending said his client had also got injured during the incident, which happened in May 2016.

He added: “He’s not going out and getting drunk and involved in violent incidents anymore and has been on tag for four-and-a-half months.”

Judge Catherine Brown
Judge Catherine Brown

McGilvray, of Sheridan Road, Ham, Richmond, Surrey, was jailed for 32 weeks, for the offence, but the term was suspended for 18 months.

He was also ordered to pay £200 compensation to the doorman and was also fined £100 for breaching his suspended sentence and £100 for failing to show up at court for previous hearing.

He must carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and complete 10 rehabilitation activity requirements, directed by the probation service.

Judge Brown added: "It is plain you were acting like a lad that night and not in the way society expects people to behave.

"You've got an unenviable record for a man of your age and it was in drink that this occurred.

"Frankly, stop drinking as you clearly can’t hold your drink."

To read more of our in depth coverage of all of the major trials coming out of crown and magistrates' courts across the county, click here

Read more: All the latest news from Canterbury

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More