Home UK 999 call made to police over Ben Stokes fight has been released

999 call made to police over Ben Stokes fight has been released

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A recording of a 999 call made by a woman who witnessed an alleged fight involving England cricketer Ben Stokes has been released.

Stokes, 27, is accused of knocking out Ryan Hale, 27, and Ryan Ali, 28, in the Clifton triangle area of Bristol on September 25 last year.

Lauren Sweeney, who was living in the Queens Road area, told Bristol Crown Court she dialled 999 after seeing Hale on the ground.

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She said Hale got up and ran towards a road sign, pushed it over and snapped off one of the metal legs before running back towards the group of men.

I didnt think it was self defence because they left him alone. When he ran towards them it was more than self defence as it was an aggressive run towards them, she told the jury.

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In the call played to the jury she tells the operator: There is a massive group of boys having a fight outside.

England cricketer Ben Stokes leaves Bristol Crown Court after being accused of affray. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday August 7, 2018. The 27-year-old all-rounder and two other men, Ryan Ali and Ryan Hale are jointly charged with affray in the Clifton Triangle area of Bristol on September 25 last year ??? several hours after England had played a one-day international against the West Indies in the city. See PA story COURTS Stokes. Photo credit should read: Ben Birchall/PA Wire

England cricketer Ben Stokes leaves Bristol Crown Court (Picture: Ben Birchall/PA Wire)

Handout footage provided by The Sun of a altercation in the Clifton Triangle area of Bristol on September 25 2017 shortly after 2am involving England cricketer Ben Stokes. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Monday August 6, 2018. See PA story COURTS Stokes. Photo credit should read: The Sun/PA WireNOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.

CCTV footage shows the alleged fight in Bristol (Picture: The Sun/PA Wire)

There looked about six. It was alright, and then one boy broke off a road sign, and kind of ran towards another one with it.

One was in the road, I dont know if hes hurt. I dont think he is, just very drunk, but when one broke off the road sign it was pretty sharp.

It looks as if they are walking away now.

She adds: I can still hear them shouting. Theyve moved down, I think a little further down the road. I dont think its ending but I keep hearing someone shouting “stop”.

Ben Stokes of England celebrates dismissing India captain Virat Kohli during day four of the Specsavers 1st Test match between England and India at Edgbaston on August 4, 2018 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

The all-rounder is one of Englands most talented cricketers (Picture: Getty)

The court heard Stokes became enraged after he attempted to bribe doorman Andrew Cunningham, 37, with £300 to gain entry into nightclub Mbargo with team-mate Alex Hales.

He is said to have been abusive to Mr Cunningham before mocking two gay men who were leaving the nightclub.

Mr Cunningham, who has four gold front teeth and is heavily tattooed, told the jury: He (Stokes) mentioned my gold teeth and he said I looked like a c*** and I replied, “Thank you very much”.

Ryan Ali arrives for the start of his trial at Bristol Crown Court in Bristol, south-west England on August 6, 2018. Ben Stokes's international career will be placed in suspended animation when the England cricketer appears in a Bristol court, along with Ryan Ali, and Ryan Hale, on Monday charged with affray. / AFP PHOTO / Adrian DENNISADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images

Ryan Ali is also on trial for affray (Picture: Getty)

He mentioned my tattoos and how s*** they were. He just looked at me and told me my tattoos were s*** and to look at my job, which he obviously wasnt happy about for keeping him out.

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Two gay men, William OConnor and Kai Barry, then emerged from the nightclub and began talking to each other outside in an extravagant” and flamboyant manner.

The ginger guy picked up on this and started to take the mick out of them, he told the jury.

Ryan Hale (L) arrives for the start of his trial at Bristol Crown Court in Bristol, south-west England on August 6, 2018. Ben Stokes's international career will be placed in suspended animation when the England cricketer appears in a Bristol court, along with Ryan Ali, and Ryan Hale, on Monday charged with affray. / AFP PHOTO / Adrian DENNISADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images

Ryan Hale was also involved in the confrontation and faces charges (Picture: Getty)

He told the jury of six men and six women that he intervened when he saw Stokes flick a cigarette butt at Mr OConnor and Mr Barry.

CCTV images show Stokes and Mr Hales catching up with Ali, Hale, Mr Barry and Mr OConnor on a nearby street after they had all left the nightclub.

Stokes claims he was defending Mr Barry and Mr OConnor after hearing Ali and Hale abuse them in a homophobic manner.

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

The trial continues.

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