Violence erupted at an Ipswich nightclub after two men jumped into each other during “energetic” dancing on the dance floor, a court has heard.

Benjamin Grimwade suffered a broken nose after being punched in the face. He had tried to intervene after allegedly seeing his friend being pushed by another man, Ipswich Crown Court was told

Two attempts were made to reset his nose by medics outside Groove nightclub in Ipswich town centre, the court heard.

He is now awaiting surgery after experiencing breathing problems as a result of the injury.

Before the court was Ashley Hart, 22, of Troon Garden, Ipswich. He denied assaulting Mr Grimwade causing him actual bodily harm during the early hours of December 29 last year.

He was found not guilty of the charge after a one-day trial.

Mr Grimwade told the court that one of his friends and one of Mr Hart’s friends had unintentionally jumped into each other during energetic dancing on the dance floor.

Mr Grimwade told the court that despite apologising to the other man, his friend had been pushed backwards.

He said he had stood in the middle of the two men because he was worried his friend was going to be attacked.

Mr Grimwade had then felt a blow to the side of his head which caused him to black out for around 30 seconds. He came round to find blood coming down his face.

He said he initially thought the man who had pushed his friend had hit him, but was later told that Mr Hart had admitted being responsible for the blow.

Giving evidence, Mr Hart told the court that after the jostling incident between the two men on the dance floor he had put his hand between them to calm things down.

He claimed he had then been pushed hard by three men causing him to stumble backwards.

“I threw a blind punch and made contact with someone,” said Mr Hart.

Have you got a crime story? Call crime correspondent Colin Adwent on 01473 324790 or email colin.adwent@archant.co.uk