A professional footballer who drank 10 pints then assaulted another man in a nightclub has escaped a jail sentence.

Kevin Braniff was told by a judge it "beggars belief" that he was out drinking 10 pints of beer in the middle of the season.

Imposing a suspended jail sentence and ordering the 25-year-old former Milwall striker to pay his victim £700 compensation, the judge added: "You concentrate on playing football in future and not getting drunk."

Maidstone Crown Court heard that Braniff, who now plays for Portadown in Northern Ireland, was visiting another player in Maidstone, on February 3 when he went to Strawberry Moons night club in the town.

Alex Wilson, prosecuting, said victim Craig O'Keefe was leaving with his girlfriend when another clubber picked a fight with him.

Others, including Braniff, joined in and Mr O'Keefe, a law student, was kicked and punched as he lay helpless on the floor.

Alex Wilson, prosecuting, said Braniff was seen attempting to wipe blood from his shoes with an ice cube.

The victim, who suffered a broken nose and cheekbone, had also been drinking heavily and pointed out an innocent man, who was arrested.

At the police station, the man told Braniff: "You did it. Own up and be a man." Braniff did so and the man was released.

The player's lawyer told Judge Philip Statman that he had two years of his contract left and would be sacked if he was sent to prison.

Sentencing Braniff to 16 weeks imprisonment suspended for a year, the judge said: "This is yet another example of mindless thuggery in the town centre when under the influence of a substantial amount of alcohol.

"You are a professional footballer. It beggars belief in the middle of the season you are out drinking 10 pints of alcohol."

Braniff, of Belfast, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm. He will also have to complete 120 hours community payback.