Stokes trial told of gay slur, KO blows

ENGLAND cricketer Ben Stokes mocked a gay man and threw a cigarette butt at his head before knocking two other men unconscious in a fight outside a nightclub in Bristol, a jury has heard.

The 27- year- old all- rounder is accused of punching Ryan Hale, 27, to the ground and then knocking out Ryan Ali, 28, a short time later.

Stokes, Hale and Ali are jointly accused of affray in the early hours of September 25 last year – a charge they all deny – and are on trial at Bristol Crown Court.

Prosecutor Nicholas Corsellis said Stokes was “provocative and offensive” and in an “angry state of mind” before the alleged fight.

He allegedly unsuccessfully tried to bribe nightclub bouncer Andrew Cunningham to allow him and teammate Alex Hales entry after the city’s 2am lockout.

Mr Cunningham claimed Stokes started mimicking the voices and gestures of two gay nightclub patrons, Kai Barry and William O’Connor, in a derogatory manner. Stokes allegedly flicked his cigarette butt at O’Connor’s head.

CCTV footage shows Ali and Hale leaving the club at 2.23am before leaving with Mr Barry and Mr O’Connor, while Stokes and Hales remained.

Stokes then tried to shake hands with Mr Cunningham, but this was refused, which Mr Corsellis said “seemed to enrage Mr Stokes”.

CCTV footage shows Stokes and Hales then caught up with Ali, Hale, Mr Barry and Mr O’Connor.

Mr Corsellis said the footage showed Mr Barry touching Ali inappropriately on the groin, before returning and trying to take his arm.

“Mr Ali responds by pushing Mr Barry away, albeit with no significant force,” he told the jury.

He said Stokes then lost control and knocked Hale unconscious before pausing and doing the same thing to Ali.

Ali suffered significant injuries, including a fractured eye socket.

Mr Corsellis described the incident as “a sustained episode of significant violence that left onlookers shocked”.

Trial judge Peter Blair QC earlier asked 16 potential jurors whether they were “extremely committed” cricket fans following either the England or India teams.

Stokes missed the Ashes after being suspended from playing for England.