KIDDERMINSTER magistrates have cleared a nightclub doorman of assault.
They awarded costs to Peter Merrick, 33, of Brecknell Rise, Kidderminster, and dismissed a charge of assault causing bodily harm to Herbert Nunn, of Redstone Lane, Stourport.
Mr Nunn claimed he had been sharing a bottle of champagne with a friend at the town's Time club when he was seized by a group of bouncers, punched, carried down the stairs and put out into Blackwell Street.
He needed hospital treatment for cuts and bruises and denied provoking his ejection by his violent behaviour.
But Mr Merrick, a doorman with nine years' experience, told the court the violence was provoked by Mr Nunn, who challenged him to fight and was shadow-boxing in front of him.
Mr Nunn struck the first blow and Mr Merrick then defended himself with his fists, each man striking up to 15 blows.
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