A jury has retired to consider the verdict in the assault trial of Jordan Storey, a 27-year-old footballer originally from South Petherton, Somerset. Storey stands accused of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH) and affray after an incident at a nightclub in Preston, Lancashire.
The prosecution alleges that Storey punched Tomas Watmough, causing Watmough to lose a tooth during a dispute at Popworld club in the early hours of January 14. Both men were reportedly involved in a heated argument while out for the night.
Storey vehemently denies these allegations, claiming he only pushed Watmough and grabbed his T-shirt. He insists he did not deliver a punch and denies responsibility for the injury.
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CCTV footage shown to the jury captures the men speaking at the bar around 2:15 a.m., with Storey seen leaning in and speaking into Watmough’s ear. According to Storey’s testimony, Watmough threatened to headbutt him, prompting Storey to push him backwards to avoid a more serious injury.
Now the jury must determine whether Storey’s actions constituted assault and if he acted in reasonable self-defense. Deliberations will continue on Thursday, May 8.