Bowler attacked by angry batsman

Brothers Andrew and Michael Butt were playing for Elsworth Village

A 14-year-old bowler was attacked by a batsman he had just clean-bowled as violence erupted during a cricket match in Cambridgeshire, a court heard.

Batsman Michael Butt, 32, admits assaulting the bowler, now 16, but denies assaulting the teenager's father and a further charge of affray.

Butt's brother, Andrew, 43, denies affray, assault and damage to property.

The incident took place during the game at Elsworth, in August 2004, Cambridge Crown Court heard on Monday.

Jurors heard how Michael Butt, from St Ives, had his off-stump knocked out after hitting several sixes off the young bowler, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

Batsman 'flipped'

The bowler, who gave evidence via a video link, said: "I bowled him out and I was walking back down the wicket and I just said 'hit that' under my breath in celebration.

"He turned around and said 'What did you call me? You called me a tosser'. I couldn't reply because he was behind me and to my right."

The youth, who plays cricket for Cambridge St Giles, said: "He just flipped and lost it. I have never seen anyone act like that before. Just the look in his eyes."

The court heard Michael Butt then hit the teenager in the back with his bat and punched him several times.

The bowler's father and the father of another teenage player were also attacked, the court was told.

'Insulted' opponents

Michael Butt's counsel, Lynn Tayton, suggested the young bowler was annoyed because "he's (Michael Butt) a bit of a slogger and knocked a couple of sixes off your bowling".

She also suggested that members of the Cambridge St Giles team had insulted their opponents.

Miss Taynton said Michael Butt had punched the teenager, but claimed the boy had punched him back.

The teenager told jurors that he would not take on someone "twice his size".

The incident happened during a match between Cambridge St Giles and Elsworth village.

The hearing continues.