England all-rounder Ben Stokes “lost his control” with a “sustained period of significant violence” during a brawl on September 25, 2017, Bristol Crown Court heard today.
The 27-year-old is alleged to have attacked two men outside a Bristol nightclub during a night out with national team-mate Alex Hales just hours after England played a one-day international against the West Indies. The incident left “onlookers shocked”, it was said.
The court heard that the fight included two other men, Ryan Hale, 27, and Ryan Aslam Ali, 28, who, along with Stokes, were charged with affray. Hale is alleged to have suffered a fractured eye-socket from the brawl, while Ali was knocked unconscious.
“It almost goes without saying, but past success, fame or good deeds does not and cannot absolve you from your duty – and the law – to behave yourself. The law and the court obviously favour no person and judge everybody equally.”
The criminal trial is expected to last between five and seven days in courtroom one, which means Stokes, who starred during England’s first Test win over India, is likely to miss the second Test at Lord’s, starting Thursday.
In the unlikely outcome that the trial ends before Wednesday afternoon, it has been rumoured that the England selectors would consider rushing Stokes in for the second Test.
The 16 potential jurors of the trial were asked if they were “extremely committed” to either the England or India cricket teams. None of the jurors indicated having such commitment, as well as knowing any of the defendants or witnesses in the case.
All three defendants, Stokes, Hale, and Ali, have pleaded not guilty to affray.
