A Colchester pub doorman was confronted by a customer holding a knife after asking him to leave the premises, it has been alleged.

Christopher Mallett, who was working at the Brewers Arms, had approached Paul Russell and a woman and told them he had been asked by bar staff to get them to leave, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

Mr Mallet said the woman had touched his face and told him they would leave when they were ready.

As he escorted her to the door he claimed she had thrown back her head and struck his chin.

“She was very drunk and was slurring her words,” said Mr Mallett.

He had then turned round and allegedly saw Russell, who was also very drunk, standing three feet away from him holding a knife.

Russell was disarmed and detained until police arrived.

Russell, 51, of Military Road, Colchester, has denied having a lock knife in a public place and common assault in October 2016.

Giving evidence, Russell denied threatening Mr Mallett with the knife and said it had been in his pocket for work.

The trial continues.