A barman working at a pub in Benidorm has been sentenced to six months in prison after humiliating and attacking two customers because of their sexual orientation.

The Alicante Provincial Court also ordered the man to pay fines totalling €2,160 and compensation to both victims following the homophobic assault outside the venue.

According to the ruling, the incident took place on the night of October 30, 2022, at a Benidorm pub known for hosting live music performances.

The court found that the employee approached the two men while they were sitting at a table and asked them: ‘Are you fags?’

Later, as the pair attempted to leave the venue, the barman allegedly mocked them in front of other customers, shouting: ‘The little gays are leaving now,’ while making a taunting gesture.

The abuse then turned violent outside the establishment.

Judges heard how the man punched one of the victims so hard he fell to the ground, before continuing to kick him.

When the second victim tried to intervene and stop the assault, the attacker headbutted him in the temple.

Both men required medical treatment following the incident.

The court convicted the barman of an offence against fundamental rights and public freedoms protected under the Spanish Constitution, as well as two separate assault offences.

In addition to the prison sentence, he was ordered to pay each victim €440 in compensation for both physical injuries and moral damages.

The sentence was issued after the defendant reached a plea agreement with prosecutors, meaning the ruling is now final.

The Valencian High Court of Justice confirmed the details of the case in a statement released this week.