A footballing wannabe has been sent to prison for what a judge said was "shocking and wanton" street violence.

Blue Butler, who claims to have signed for a sports agency, was 18 at the time of the attack near a pub in Dartford High Street.

Now 21, Butler, of Hard Dyke Road, Swanley, and a friend had launched the attack outside the Clipper pub in 2020.

The victim Ian Willey had left the pub at 2 am – followed by Butler and a pal, Jack Smith.

Maidstone Crown Court heard how Mr Willey was then punched with such force he was knocked to the floor and then the duo delivered a "frenzy of blows" and kicks.

Butler, who admitted causing grievous bodily harm and affray, had pulled down his hood over his face as he launched the attack in Market Street.

Mr Willey was struck by Butler and he fell to the floor where he was then subjected to a sustained assault by the two men who kicked, who stamped and punched him while he was on the ground “curled up in a ball”.

After walking away, the attackers swapped "fist pumps" and Smith later told police when shown the footage that it was disgusting before adding "but life happens”.

Defence barrister Mizan Abdulrouf claimed Butler had “long career prospects”.

“He has grown up, he has shown maturity and he has shown remorse,” he told Maidstone Crown Court.

‘This sort of behaviour, wanton violence in public at night-time when members of the public are going about their lawful business, has a significant effect on society.’

“He accepts his footballing career is in the embryonic stages but he says it's a start he doesn't wish to let go under any circumstances.”

The court heard how the victim had been taken to hospital and treated for a broken ankle.

Prosecutor Stacey Lee Holland said Butler and a pal George Button then carried out another "inexcusable act of violence" a month later – again attacking another innocent victim as he left the pub.

They had objected after being asked to move seats in the boozer and then lay in wait and attacked Jamie Payne as he walked away.

The prosecutor said he was subjected to a "nasty" attack by Button as Butler was restrained by doormen.

And when a woman tried to intervene, Button threw liquid at her and then made a "headbutting" motion while hurling insults at her, Maidstone Crown Court heard.

On February 1, 2020 Butler’s pal Smith and Layla Hales were caught on CCTV repeatedly kicking and stamping on an unidentified man as he lay seemingly unconscious after being knocked to the on the ground in Hythe Street, Dartford.

Butler and Jack Smith, 22, of Conifer Rod, Swanley were each jailed for 15 months. They admitted causing GBH and Butler also admitted affray.

Button, of Pentstemon Drive, Swanscombe, was given a six-month sentence suspended for 18 months and also ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.

Meanwhile Hales, 21, of Westwood Lane, Sidcup, received a 12 month community order after she was caught on CCTV kicking and stamping on a victim's head after he had been knocked to the ground. She was also ordered to do 100 hours of unpaid work. She admitted affray.

Judge Catherine Moore told them that their attacks could have resulted in causing fatal injuries.

She told them: "While these three incidents were quite separate, there are matters of commonality in that each involved truly shocking public violence and the sort that could quite easily have resulted in injuries far more serious.

“This sort of behaviour, wanton violence in public at night-time when members of the public are going about their lawful business, has a significant effect on society.”

Judge Moore told Butler and Smith that Mr Willey and his friend had offered “little, if no resistance as a frenzy of blows rained down”, while the attack by Butler and Button, then 19, on Mr Payne was “again inexcusable public violence”.

Just days prior to his sentence the 21-year-old had posted a brag on his social media saying “big things coming” after signing to a sports agent.

Butler told the judge in a letter: “I was 18 at the time and I was not the man I am today. There are no excuses for my actions.

"'I don't see the man I was three years ago when I look in the mirror. I don't wish to see the man I was three years ago

“Today I don't drink, my mind is clear, I have career prospects, I have a footballing contract I have recently signed through a sport agency.

“These are mistakes I made three years ago and I would like to deeply apologise for my actions and the harm I caused.

“Once again, I apologise for my wrongdoing.”