A man underwent surgery to have a metal plate inserted in his face after he was attacked during a night out in Lowestoft, it has been alleged.

Anthony Smith suffered a fractured eye socket and cheekbone after allegedly being punched in the face at the town’s Faith nightclub, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

Before the court is William Gilroy, 34, of Berry Close, Lowestoft, who has denied inflicting grievous bodily harm on Mr Smith and assaulting Jason Sheldon by beating in December 2016.

Russell Butcher, prosecuting said Mr Smith and Mr Sheldon had visited Faith nightclub with friends during a night out.

In the early hours of the morning they were walking across the dance floor when Mr Sheldon was allegedly pushed from behind and then punched in the left cheek.

He went to the ground and as he got up he saw the man who had allegedly attacked him punch Mr Smith in the face causing him to fall to the floor.

He went to hospital where he was found to have a fractured cheekbone and eye-socket.

The trial continues.