A man was starting a life jail sentence today for a vicious attack on a club doorman.

Nathan Motherwell was told by a Chelmsford Crown Court judge he was a "very dangerous man and would remain so for a very long time."

And it was revealed at the end of a trial how Motherwell was on licence from prison for a similar attack at the time he stabbed 6ft 7in tall doorman Michael Herlihy.

Mr Herlihy was knifed at least four times before he and other members of staff at the Terrace club in Colchester managed to overpower Motherwell.

The doorman was praised by Judge Benjamin Pearson for the professional way he and other members of staff handled the incident last August.

"He did not shrink from his duty and with the admirable help from other staff, they managed to overpower this man but not before Mr Herlihy suffered a number of stab wounds and cuts," Judge Pearson said.

"At all times Mr Herlihy displayed exemplary self-control in a very difficult and dangerous situation and showed a high degree of professionalism. He is to be commended," the judge added.

Motherwell, 27, of New Town Road, Colchester, had denied wounding Mr Herlihy with intent on August 5 but was convicted after a trial. The jury's verdict was unanimous.

Judge Pearson imposed a mandatory life sentence under the "two strikes and you're out" rule and he said Motherwell should not be considered for parole until he has served at least five years - plus another 241 days left outstanding from the earlier sentence.

Motherwell did not give evidence during his trial and Judge Pearson said there was "not one shred of mitigation" in the case.

"You fought this case without any feelings of remorse for your appalling conduct and the injuries you caused to Michael Herlihy," Judge Pearson said.

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