Ben Stokes trial - latest: Doorman says England cricketer mocked his tattoos and teeth before nightclub brawl
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Your support makes all the difference.The trial of England cricketer Ben Stokes resumed at Bristol Crown Court today.
The all-rounder, 27, is accused of attacking two men in a brawl outside of a local nightclub last September.
The court heard yesterday that Mr Stokes “lost control” in the affray and knocked Ryan Hale, 27, to the ground before knocking out Ryan Ali, 28.
Follow the latest on the trial in our liveblog below.
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The England cricketer is accused of affray, and the trial is expected to last between five and seven hours in courtroom one
If the trial goes on longer than expected, Mr Stokes could miss England's third Test against India at Trent Bridge in Nottinghamshire, the Mail Online notes. Would he be allowed to play if found guilty and is awaiting sentencing?
The ground at Trent Bridge was first used for cricket as far back as the 1830s.
Ryan Hale and Ryan Ali have now arrived at Bristol Crown Court where they are also accused of affray
Today the court will hear from the doorman at the Mbargo club, Andrew Cunningham, along with other prosecution witnesses.
Danny Adams, from Avon and Somerset police, is now giving evidence. As he is taken through the CCTV footage from the night, he notes that Stokes and teammate Alex Hales waved at the CCTV when it was pointed out to them that they were being filmed.
PC Adams says the footage shows Stokes mimicking customers and then flicking a cigarette at them
PC Adams says the act of flicking the cigarette butt was “not in the least” friendly, and adds the being refused a handshake by Andrew Cunningham, the bouncer, irritated Stokes and left him angry.
PC Adams has now finished. After a short break, Bristol Crown Court will hear from Mbargo doorman Andrew Cunningham.
Mr Cunningham, the head doorman for Mbargo – the nightclub in Bristol where the brawl occurred – says he didn’t recognise Stokes and Hales, as he is not a cricket fan.
He adds that when they first arrived, he suggested they came back later as the club was quiet. When they returned at 2330, he said they were “good as gold”.