British actor goes on trial

Former footballer Vinnie Jones is facing assault charges...

13:25 15 May 2009

British actor and former footballer Vinnie Jones has gone on trial in the USA on assault charges.

Jones was arrested and charged after being involved in a bar brawl last December.

Prosecutors at the trial in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, accuse Jones of punching Juan Trevino-Barrera in the head three times.

The 'X-Men star' and former Wimbledon player, who claims he acted in self defence, received hospital treatment after the incident for cuts to the face.

He was hit with a beer glass during the altercation.

The incident allegedly began when Trevino-Barrera asked Jones if "he was the guy from X-Men" to which he took offence.

Jones is charged with simple assault which carries a maximum punishment of one year in jail and a $1,000 (657) fine.