An ex-student allegedly attacked two security staff after defying an ban on returning to a Devon college.
Luke Prato says he was acting in self-defence when he hit one officer and pulled his ear so hard that it ripped.
A jury at Exeter Crown Court has been shown CCTV of him being ushered out of the Exeter College Queen Street campus before grappling with security guard David Vaughan-Atkins in the street.
He allegedly lashed out at another officer when he joined the struggle to restrain the 19-year-old former student.
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Prato, of Wear Barton Road, Exeter, denies causing actual bodily harm to Mr Vaughan-Atkins and common assault on his colleague Stephen Richards.
He says he acted in self-defence after Mr Vaughan-Atkins grabbed him violently after he left the building and the trying to fend off further attacks when he caused bruising to Mr Richards’ leg.
James Taghdissian, for the prosecution, said Prato was a former student at Exeter College but was banned from the campus . He was seen there on January 13 last year and the security team were alerted.
He said: “One of the security officers Mr Vaughan-Atkins located him in the reception area . He approached him and reminded him of the ban.
“Prato told him it was a stupid rule and he did not think he should be subject to it .
He walked out of the building with Mr Vaughan-Atkins . They went through the door and stopped outside.
“Our case is that Mr Vaughan-Atkins took hold of Prato to make sure he went away and the defendant then became violent and attacked him.
“He launched an unnecessary and violent attack in the form of punches to the face and grabbing his ear . He pulled it so forcefully the top split from his head and needed butterfly stitches.
“Other security staff tried to help Mr Vaughan-Atkins and in the course of that Prato kicked Mr Richards, causing a bruise on his leg.”
Police were called and in an interview Prato said he thought the ban was unfair .
He said he had been grabbed forcibly and had acted in self-defence.
He said he grabbed the ear during the fight, which he had intended to win .
He told police the security officers were violent and he only used reasonable force to defend himself.
The trial continues.
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The post Ex-student ripped college security guards ear in attack, court hears appeared first on News4Security.