Star Wars fan ‘floored cinema-goer pal with one punch after being told to keep quiet during the trailers’

A STAR Wars super-fan punched and kicked his friend in a cinema brawl when he was told to "be quiet" during the trailers, a court heard.

Jon Hudson, 39, went to see Rogue One: A Star Wars Story with Richard Best and two other pals, including one known as "The Jedi", when an argument erupted over who had paid for the tickets.

Prosecutors told Cardiff Crown Court that Hudson demanded £10 from Mr Best before the fight at the Vue cinema in Cardiff on December 16 last year.

Andrew Kendall, prosecuting, said: "When the trailers began Hudson started to speak loudly.

"He then started to demand money from Mr Best.

"Hudson was very loud and Mr Best told him to be quiet and he would give him the money after the film."

Mr Kendall said Hudson continued demanding the money and stood over Mr Best before throwing a punch at his head.

As the brawl continued, the two men began to struggle with Hudson allegedly being thrown over a row of seats. Hudson then reportedly kicked Mr Best, who was curled up in a ball.

Mr Kendall added: "Mr Best was left with cuts to his right ear, nose, and left eye, and a with a black eye."

Cinema staff and other film fans split the brawl up and Hudson was arrested by police - telling them he was acting in self defence.

Hudson, from Barry, was later charged with actual bodily harm and assault with intent to commit robbery, both of which he denies.

Defending, David Leathley described his client as a "Star Wars fanatic" and suggested that Mr Best was "in a rage" with his hands around Hudson's throat, something denied by Mr Best.

The court heard the pair were accompanied by best friend Peter Swailes, a Star Wars "fanatic" who is known as "The Jedi."

Mr Leathley added: "Mr Swailes' nickname is The Jedi, isn't it. He's a Star Wars fanatic.

"In the taxi to the cinema it became apparent Hudson was also something of a Star Wars fanatic. And such was his excitement he didn't only pay for the taxi but for the cinema too."

Mr Best said it was he who had paid for his and Hudson's tickets.

The sequel to Star Wars: The Force Awakens will arrive in cinemas in December. The Last Jedi, which stars Daisy Ridley and John Boyega, features actress Carrie Fisher reprising her role as Princess Leia, in scenes shot before her death in December last year.

Princes William and Harry also filmed cameo roles playing non-speaking storm-troopers but unluckily for them, their scenes were cut from the final version.

The trial, expected to last three days, continues.

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368 . We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.