The darts match was being held at the Ex-Servicemen’s club in Gordon Road, Lowestoft, in September 2021 in memory of a former member, when Nathan Derry, who’d come second in the competition, complained about a woman who’d been watching the match being “too loud”.

The woman went outside in tears and her husband Michael Hamilton had approached Derry with a pint glass in his hand and allegedly hit him with it causing cuts to his neck, Ipswich Crown Court was told.

Christopher Kerr, prosecuting, said a fight followed between Derry and Hamilton and Derry’s stepfather, William Gallie had allegedly become involved.

A friend of Hamilton saw the incident and thinking his friend was being attacked had tried to break up the fight.

He was then allegedly set upon by Derry and Gallie who kicked and punched him, said Mr Kerr.

As a result of the alleged attack the man suffered three fractured ribs and a collapsed lung.

His son had gone to his aid and was allegedly punched by Derry and Gallie resulting in a split lip, cuts and bruises.

Derry, 37, and Gallie 58, both of Avenue Road, Great Yarmouth, have denied causing grievous bodily harm with intent and an offence of assault causing actual bodily harm.

Derry, Gallie and Hamilton, 61, of Long Road, Lowestoft, have all denied affray.

Mr Kerr told the court there was no dispute about the identity of those involved in the incident and the issue for the jury was who did what and why.

The trial is expected to conclude after the Easter break.