A student who claims he was attacked by Southend publican Kevin Chinnery as he DJ-ed in a seafront club has said he was left crying, shaking and bleeding.

Robert Watson, who was one of three DJs at the private farewell party, admits he played one record too many and ignored two requests to stop the music although he knew the club was only licensed until 2am.

However, he denies he lashed out first in fury as Chinnery attempted to bring the party at the Jack of Clubs to an end by turning the volume of the music down.

Mr Watson insists he was assaulted by Chinnery, 35, who punched him in the face, knocking his glasses off.

He then claims he was removed from the club by heavy-handed bouncers who continued to punch, push and kick him as they escorted him up the stairs.

Mr Watson reported the incident to a police officer at the door of the club, and was taken to Southend Hospital by ambulance for treatment.

Chinnery, of Marine Parade, Southend, and owner of Chinnery's pub and the Jack of Clubs, as well as holding the position of chairman of the Southend Seafront Illuminations and Business Association, denies one charge of common assault on March 20 this year.

Prab Virdi, prosecuting, told Southend magistrates trouble at the club broke out shortly after 2am as the lights came on.

She said: "The defendant walked over to Mr Watson and started to throw his weight around. The pair had words and Mr Watson was punched in the eye."

Mr Watson told the court he had not instigated the trouble, though he admits his recollections of the night's events are hazy.

He had drunk five or six pints of lager and admits he should have stopped the music at 2am. But he told the trial: "This attack was totally unprovoked. There was no need for it."

The trial continues.

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