A police officer based in Brent who punched a nightclub doorman and told him to ‘go back to where he came from’ has walked free from court.

PC James Balneaves was fined £750, ordered to pay £600 compensation, £75 victim’s surcharge and £85 court costs after he admitted racially aggravated common assault.

Westminster Magistrates Court heard the 29-year-old launched his attack after he was refused entry into Opal Bar nightclub in Embankment on October 19 last year by staff who felt he was too drunk.

A woman with him was also turned away.

Balneaves flashed his warrant card and demanded to see the club’s manager but when he was refused he punched the doorman.

The officer, who has received two awards for bravery, resigned after admitting the charge.

He was sentenced on December 23.