A SECURITY firm has denied being heavy-handed with students at an Essex University nightclub.

Sean Willis, 21, is alleged to have attacked a door supervisor but claims he was acting in self-defence.

He claims he was injured following the incident in the early hours of November 1 at Sub Zero, a nightclub at the university’s Colchester campus.

Willis, of Kynaston Close, Harrow, appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court yesterday and was bailed ahead of a trial on June 20.

At the time of the incident, a petition was set up by another student, on change.org, signed by 240 people entitled: “Stop Subzero’s Security Violating Their Power”.

It said: “Students are scared to enjoy a night out in Subzero, because they are constantly on edge due to security’s unjustified reasoning for banning students.

“Security is needed, but lately it has been causing higher controversy. Many have reported unjust bannings for accusations of over intoxication when in reality they are at a more than acceptable level to be in a club.”

The petition called for stricter guidelines against staff from Regency Security, the firm appointed to patrol the streets of Tiptree for six months.

Yesterday the court was told about the concerns.

Matthew Swash, defending the student, said: “There have been accusations they have been heavy-handed with students. There was a lot of coverage at the Student Union.”

He added claims were made “bouncers were beating people up outside”.

Business director Paul De-Angelis, from Regency Security, said: “We have enjoyed a long and successful partnership with the Student Union.

“We have received no comments they are unhappy with us and no petition has been sent to us.”

The Student Union did not refer to the specific claims but a spokesman did say, “we do not condone any use of violence”, adding, “the safety of our students is paramount to us and we strive towards achieving those goals”.

The alleged behaviour of security staff is expected to be used as part of the defence for a man arrested and charged with assaulting a door supervisor.

No door staff have been arrested or charged with any offences at Essex University.