A builder suffered a fractured eye socket during a late night attack in Ipswich town centre after he confronted a man who shouted abuse at his girlfriend, it has been alleged.

A witness described hearing a “solid sound” as Sean Main’s fist connected with Kieron Cox’s face, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

Mr Cox was knocked unconscious during the alleged incident and he was taken to hospital where he was found to have a displaced eyeball and a fractured eye socket.

Main, 27, of Croft Crescent, Glasgow has denied inflicting grievous bodily harm on Mr Cox on April 30 last year.

Daniel Taylor, prosecuting, said Mr Cox and his girlfriend Rebecca Wessels had left Bowman’s Bar in Falcon Street, when she had bumped into Main causing him to drop his phone.

He allegedly shouted abuse at her and Mr Cox had allegedly become involved and told Main: “Don’t talk to my girlfriend like that.”

Mr Cox walked away but was followed by Main who allegedly punched him in what Mr Taylor described as a “ violent and unprovoked” attack.

Main told police he had been acting in self-defence.

The trial continues.