Vinnie Jones 'mocked Before Brawl'

5 months ago 15th May 12:01

Vinnie Jones claims he was mocked about his age shortly before a bar brawl erupted last year.

The 'X-Men: The Last Stand' actor was charged with three counts of assault following the fight in South Dakota last December, and needed 48 stitches to his face after being hit with a beer mug.

A court heard yesterday (14.05.09) how Jones told police his voice was ridiculed during a pool game by Juan Barrera - who he is accused of assaulting.

Police Officer Chris Treadway told the court: "He recognised Juan as the one who had been heckling him earlier about his accent.

"Jones said Juan Barrera made a statement, 'Have you had enough, old man?' "

British actor Jones was apparently captured on CCTV punching Barrera at Wiley's Tavern in Sioux Falls, leading to the charges.

The man who hit him with the beer mug, Barrera's friend Jesse Bickett, was not charged.

The officer added Jones was arrested because he acknowledged hitting Barrera over the verbal taunts but did not feel physically threatened.

He recognised Juan as the one who had been heckling him earlier about his accent.Jones said Juan Barrera made a statement, 'Have you had enough, old man?'

Jones' lawyer Peter Wold denied this, insisting his client had acted in self defence.

Witnesses have testified Jones was not drunk at the time of the altercation and had been in a good mood all night. Wold has accused Barrera of being a marijuana dealer who was drunk on the night of the fight.

Jones faces up to a year in jail if found guilty of assault.

The trial continues.