An Essex man who was part of a group which tried to rob a man of a bag as he left a Colchester nightclub has been given a suspended prison sentence.

James Redman and two other men approached the victim and his two friends as they left a nightclub in October 2016 and asked them if they had any alcohol or any drugs, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

One of Redman’s group then noticed the victim had a “man bag” and all three had set upon him, said Michael Crimp, prosecuting.

As a result of the attack the victim suffered a cut to his eye and swelling to his face and ear.

James Redman, 20, of The Croft, Earls Colne, admitted attempted robbery on October 2, 2016, and was given a 21-month prison sentence suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to do 200 hours’ unpaid work.

He was also made the subject of a restraining order banning him from contacting the victim of the attempted robbery for three years.