A bouncer knocked out a female customer who had punched his sister during a night club row, a court heard.

Jodie Pepperell, 21, was left with cuts and bruises.

Gavin Sweet, a bouncer at The Junction club on Brighton seafront allegedly followed her outside and punched her in the face.

A jury at Hove Crown Court was told that a few minutes earlier Miss Pepperell was involved in a dance floor argument with Sweet's sister Nikki.

Tim Bergin, prosecuting, said: "Jodie Pepperell has admitted assaulting the defendant's sister and has received a caution.

"As a result she was ejected from the club and followed by Gavin Sweet who then assaulted her."

Miss Pepperell said she had seen Nikki in the club before and there was "tension" between them.

Miss Sweet had insulted her and they had pushed each other. She retaliated by punching Miss Sweet.

Miss Pepperell said: "As soon as that happened I was bombarded by security and was taken to the exit and asked to leave.

"As we were standing by the stairs Gavin Sweet came up and tried to have a go at me but my friend Kelly stood between us.

"We left and began to walk through Pool Valley when Gavin and another man came after us.

"One of them said I had punched his sister and the other said I had hit his girlfriend.

"Gavin grabbed my arm and swung me round and punched me on the side of the face. I was knocked out for ten to 15 minutes."

Cross-examined by Sean Horstead, defending, she said she was "merry" but denied being drunk and aggressive.

Mrs Angie Freeman, who was with Miss Pepperell, said Sweet had asked her Miss Pepperell's name.

"I collected our coats and was walking through Pool Valley to meet Jodie at the taxi rank in East Street. He was walking back towards the club and said that if I was looking for Jodie she was over there and he had hit her."

Sweet, of Bexhill Road, Woodingdean, denies causing Miss Pepperell actual bodily harm on March 16.

The trial continues.