Three thugs have been jailed after a brawl at a Dartford bar left a doorman with serious injuries.

The Court House in Spital Street operated a “no travellers” policy, Maidstone Crown Court was told.

Prosecutor Nicholas Wayne admitted: “Quite what the legality of that is I can’t begin to imagine.”

Violence broke out on February 28, 2015, after George King, a resident of Knoxfield Caravan Site, Darenth Wood Road, Darenth, entered the pub.

A judge was shown CCTV footage on Friday of the three minutes of “general mayhem” that ensued with 34-year-old King’s son Charles, 20, and Obie Baker, 26, joining in.

George King went in after taking offence at a senior door supervisor. King then punched him repeatedly.

“Others stepped in to do what they could to sort it out,” said Judge Charles Macdonald QC.

“Glasses were thrown by Charles King.”

Off-duty Metropolitan Police officers who happened to be in the bar at the time became involved.

The doorman suffered a fractured eye socket and had to have a metal plate inserted in it. He has been left with permanent double vision.

George King was jailed for six years after admitting wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and affray.

Charles King, also resident at Knoxfield Caravan Site, admitted the offences, too, and was sentenced to four years’ youth custody.

Baker, of Ridgeway, Dartford, admitted affray and was jailed for a year.

Father-of-three Jimmy Eastwood, 33, of Acacia Road, Dartford, was given four months’ imprisonment suspended for 18 months with 100 hours’ unpaid work. He was described as a “peacemaker” but admitted affray.

Mark Dacey, for George King, said the dad of seven regretted getting involved while drunk.

He said: “It escalated out of nowhere. He recognises it is unacceptable behaviour.”

Gordon Carse, for Charles King, said his client acted out of immaturity while trying to “protect his dad”.

Judge Charles Macdonald QC said: “It was general mayhem, probably over three minutes. I regard George King as the ringleader, and his son was drawn into it.”

He said there had been a lasting effect on the victim physically and psychologically, and added: “It was a disgraceful violent incident.”

Speaking after the trial, investigating officer Detective Constable Stuart Clayton said: "During the evening there was a violent and unprovoked attack, which saw glasses as well as punches thrown at multiple victims.

"Officers work hard to ensure Dartford remains a safe place to socialise during the night time and the aggressive behaviour seen on this particular night, is not acceptable.

"I would like to thank the victims and witnesses for their support in this investigation and subsequent court case."