A police officer has told a jury how he suffered a fractured eye socket and broken nose while playing in a rugby match in Devon.

Daniel Bickford told Exeter Crown Court he was playing for Brixham against Clevedon when he was punched three times by one of the opposing players.

Anthony Dauncey, 28, of Marsdon Road, Clevedon, has pleaded not guilty to charges of causing grievous bodily harm and actual bodily harm.

Mr Bickford told the court he was playing open flank forward for the south Devon club in a South West Two league match in March last year.

He said that around 15 minutes into Brixham's home game he went into a ruck and attempted to push back an opposing player who was offside.

As his head was facing the ground he felt a punch in the mouth and told the court 'it was the person I was driving off in the ruck.

'I looked up at him and told him 'f****** leave it out',' said Mr Bickford, who told the court he was not prepared to retaliate in any way.

When he was interviewed about the alleged attack Dauncey said that he was acting in self defence and had only struck one blow.

He claimed Mr Bickford had got hold of him by the neck and he had struck out to defend himself.

The trial was adjourned.

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