England cricketer Stokes denies affray charge

ENGLAND cricketer Ben Stokes mocked a gay man and flicked a cigarette butt at his head before knocking two men unconscious in a fight near 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 allegedly knocking out Ryan Ali (28), a short time later during a fracas in the early hours of September 25 last year.

Bristol Crown Court heard Stokes insulted doorman Andrew Cunningham after he refused to allow the cricketer and England teammate Alex Hales into the Mbargo nightclub because it was after 2am.

Stokes, who had been drinking, became abusive after Mr Cunningham maintained his position, despite the cricketer offering him £300 for entry, the jury heard.

Nicholas Corsellis, prosecuting, described Stokes as being “provocative and offensive” towards Mr Cunningham telling him his gold front teeth made him look like a “c***” and that his tattoos were “s***”.

Stokes then started speaking with two gay men, Kai Barry and William O’Connor, who were “flamboyant, extroverted and openly gay” and acting in a “camp and effeminate” manner.

He then allegedly began “mimicking their voices and mannerisms” in a derogatory way seen by Mr Cunningham.

Accused: Ben Stokes

“Mr Cunningham had cause to be concerned when he saw Mr Stokes take either the unlit butt or the butt of his cigarette and flick it on to Mr O’Connor’s head,” Mr Corsellis said.

CCTV footage shows Ali and Hale leaving the nightclub at 2.23am and walking off with Mr Barry and Mr O’Connor.

Stokes headed off from Mbargo with Mr Hales after becoming “enraged” when Mr Cunningham refused to shake his hand.

“Mr Stokes’ behaviour outside the nightclub sets an important tone for what happened that night,” Mr Corsellis said.

CCTV footage shows Stokes and Mr Hales catch up with Ali, Hale, Mr Barry and Mr O’Connor as they stood on Queens Road.

Mr Barry appeared to touch Ali inappropriately to his groin area, before returning and trying to take his arm.

Ali pushed Mr Barry away “with no significant force” but Stokes “charged” over to the group, Mr Corsellis said.

The jury heard only the defendants know how the alleged fight started but Ali raised a bottle as if to hit Mr Hales, instead making “glancing contact” with Mr Barry’s shoulder.

Stokes then threw a punch at Ali, with both men falling to the ground. Mr Hales is seen using his foot on Ali’s back, the court heard.

Mr Corsellis said all of those present, except for Stokes, then wanted the situation to stop.

Stokes, of Stockton Road, Castle Eden, Durham; Ali, of Forest Road, Bristol; and Hale, of Burghill Road, Westbury-onTrym, Bristol, each deny a joint charge of affray.

The trial continues.