A TAUNTON man apologised in court after he bit a bouncer after being removed from a popular nightclub.

Sebastian Cirnaru, 20, of Alma Street in Taunton appeared at Taunton Crown Court on Friday (January 10) to be sentenced for his actions.

Cirnaru was at Zinc Nightclub in the early hours of Sunday, September 15 last year when he was ejected for getting into a brawl with another man.

After being escorted from the premises by bouncer Liam Hunter following the fracas, Cirnaru completely lost his temper and attacked the bouncer.

Ian Fenny, speaking for the prosecution, said: "Without warning he lunged at Mr Hunter, swinging both arms trying to punch him.

"He caught him on his left side, before a colleague of Mr Hunter's blocked a further attack."

It was only after the attack Mr Hunter realised he had been bitten on his hand.

Mr Fenny explained that Cirnaru then pulled out a small Stanley knife, but before he could do anything with it he was restrained until the police arrived.

Harry Ahuja, defending, said Cirnaru felt he had been 'manhandled' out of the club, and pulled the blade out of fear.

Cirnanu is a Romanian national who worked for a car cleaning company.

Judge David Ticehurst said: "I think this action was out of character for you after you had too much to drink."

Ticehurst sentenced Cirnaru to a four month community order, told him to pay £250 compensation to Mr Hunter and legal costs of £500, as well as a £90 victim surcharge.