A COUPLE were taunted by a group of men as they walked home from a Worcester nightclub in the early hours, a court was told.

Adam Bant and his girlfriend had been to Tramps but were accosted when they passed TJs Bar at 1.15am on February 11 last year, said Jason Aris, prosecuting.

Mr Bant was punched and kicked and his injuries included a broken right thumb, bruised ribs and swollen lips.

Three men were acquitted of the attack when they appeared at Hereford Crown Court in March, said Mr Aris.

But 23-year-old Nicholas Broomhall, of Hanover Place, Bromsgrove, admitted affray when he appeared at Worcester Crown Court.

He was fined £800 with £300 costs and ordered to pay £100 compensation to Mr Bant.

Graeme Simpson, defending, submitted references which described Broomhall as "a thoroughly decent, caring person."

One was from the chairman of magistrates and the other from a taxi driver.

He said Broomhall had become involved in the incident after drinking too much. He accepted delivering a punch but not kicking or stamping.

Recorder Rupert Mayo said nightclubbers should be allowed to walk home without being subjected to taunts which often led to fights.

Police and medical services were called to mop up when they had better things to do.