'Punch killed Stringfellows customer'

A customer who touched a dancer in Stringfellows nightclub died after being punched by a bouncer, the Old Bailey was told today.

George MacDonald, 34, smashed his head on the pavement after being punched by amateur boxer Marcus Marriott, it was alleged.

Mr MacDonald, of Southam, Warwickshire, who had gone to the central London Stringfellows after a stag party, had been thrown out of the club seconds before.

Dorian Lovell-Pank QC, prosecuting, said 21-stone Mr MacDonald had been swearing at Marriott as he and two other doorman escorted him out.

"In the next 30 seconds Marcus Marriott had punched Mr MacDonald so hard in the right side of his face that it shattered his upper jawbone and sent his body crashing to the pavement where he fractured his skull," said Mr Lovell-Pank.

He said dancers at the club perform striptease, pole and lap dancing and even provide private shows.

Mr Lovell-Pank added: "But one strict rule must be adhered to - you must not touch the girls in any way.

"If you do, you are likely to be ejected."

Mr MacDonald had been chatting with a Polish dancer named Anna. But as Anna danced for him, "he pulled her towards him".

He was led out of the building by two doormen followed by Marriott.
Marriott, 33, of Chingford, east London, denies alternatives charges of murder and manslaughter in October, last year.

The court was told Marriott fought under the name of Marcus Lee at cruiser and heavyweight. He had also trained in martial arts.

The trial was adjourned until tomorrow.