A FORMER rugby league star went on trial yesterday, accused of beating up a pub door manager who had earlier banned him from a popular drinking spot.

Lea Titchener, 29, who used to play for York Wasps, denies inflicting grievous bodily harm, with others unknown, on Dominic M'Benga, who was said at York Crown Court to have suffered a broken nose and cheekbone, and an eye socket injury.

Felicity Davies, prosecuting, said that Mr Titchener of Foxton, Woodthorpe, York, tugged Mr M'Benga's shoulder when they met in an Indian restaurant, in York in January last year, and asked him "who the hell he thought he was" to impose the ban.

Miss Davies said Mr Tichener was barred from McMillan's pub and night club in York by Mr M'Benga, who managed some of the city's door staff, after trouble eight weeks earlier.

She said Mr Titchener became abusive. Mr M'Benga said he had only been doing his job and made to leave. As he passed the accused, she said, he was head-butted on the nose.

Mr Tichener told police he was confronted by the other man and thought was going to be attacked. He said he struck out with one punch but did not headbutt him.

The hearing continues