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Ben Stokes trial: Cricketer threw 'several punches' Ben Stokes trial: Cricketer threw 'multiple punches'
(35 minutes later)
England cricketer Ben Stokes has admitted throwing several punches at a man outside a nightclub in Bristol, a jury has heard. England cricketer Ben Stokes admitted throwing several punches at a man outside a nightclub in Bristol, a jury has heard.
The Durham all-rounder, who denies affray, has taken to the stand for a second day at Bristol Crown Court.The Durham all-rounder, who denies affray, has taken to the stand for a second day at Bristol Crown Court.
Mr Stokes, 27, said: "It's clear in my statements that I admit to throwing multiple punches."Mr Stokes, 27, said: "It's clear in my statements that I admit to throwing multiple punches."
He added he felt "constantly under threat" by two men who he claims made homophobic slurs to another two men. He is on trial alongside Ryan Ali, 28, who the cricketer is alleged to have knocked out, outside the Mbargo club.
Ryan Ali, 28, has also denied a charge of affray while Ryan Hale, 27, was acquitted of the same charge on Thursday. Mr Ali has also denied a charge of affray while Ryan Hale, 27, was acquitted of the same charge on Thursday.
Mr Stokes was being cross-examined by Mr Ali's defence counsel who questioned whether he had misheard what was being said. Mr Stokes told the court he felt "constantly under threat" by Mr Ali and Mr Hale who he claims made homophobic slurs to two gay men, Kai Barry and William O'Connor.
He maintained that Mr Ali and Mr Hale made homophobic comments outside the Mbargo nightclub in the Clifton triangle area of Bristol during the early hours of 25 September last year. But when questioned by the prosecution, he denied knocking out Mr Ali or being very drunk.
He agreed he had had at least 10 drinks, including pints of beer, vodka and lemonade as well as "a few" Jagerbombs, which are shots mixed with beer or energy drinks.
Under cross-examination by Mr Ali's defence counsel, he was questioned whether he had misheard what was being said.
But, he maintained Mr Ali and Mr Hale made homophobic comments outside the club in the Clifton triangle area of Bristol during the early hours of 25 September last year.
Mr Stokes told the jury he was not "threatening or aggressive" towards the men.Mr Stokes told the jury he was not "threatening or aggressive" towards the men.
"I'd say I was verbally saying 'I don't think you should be saying that to these two guys because they're gay'," he said."I'd say I was verbally saying 'I don't think you should be saying that to these two guys because they're gay'," he said.
When questioned by the prosecution, he denied knocking out Mr Ali or being very drunk. As the prosecution began it's cross-examination of the cricketer, the jury was shown CCTV pictures from outside Mbargo, where he was denied entry.
'Effeminate nature'
Mr Stokes admitted trying to bribe doorman Andrew Cunningham with £60 to get in, but denied it was as much as £300.
He also denied being spiteful and aggressive or making derogatory marks about the doorman's tattoos or throwing a cigarette in his direction when he was refused entry.
The court heard Mr Cunningham perceived Mr Stokes as "mocking" the gay men's mannerisms" and mimicking "their voices and effeminate nature", which the defendant refuted.
Mr Stokes also denied being angry about not being allowed back into the club.
The trial continues.The trial continues.