A dad who kicked his ex-wife’s new partner in the face at his children’s birthday party has been spared jail.

Allan Gray, 46, had been celebrating along with his ex-wife at her home in Grosvenor Road, Dagenham.

But when his wife’s new partner, Ciaran Kavanagh, arrived a drunken tussle broke out which resulted in Mr Kavanagh falling to the floor and being kicked to the head and face by Gray.

Gray appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Wednesday last week where he admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Mr Kavanagh received injuries to both eyes and extensive cuts to both the front and back of his head during the incident which took place on October 25, 2014.

The more serious charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent was ordered to lie on file after his ex-wife and victim were reluctant to pursue the matter further.

Judge Ian Darling said: “It is clear to me from the pre-sentence report and the references that you are a hard-working, successful, responsible man.

“I am prepared to accept a degree of provocation and I am prepared to accept a degree of excessive self-defence. This was in the context of an emotional situation.”

The judge added that he saw no point in sending Grey to prison and that he had no doubt that he wouldn’t see him in the dock again.

Gray, of London Road, Romford, was handed a 12 month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered to undertake 220 hours’ unpaid work.

He must also pay £500 in compensation to Mr Kavanagh.