Ambulance man says he saw Collins hit bouncer

AN AMBULANCE crew member has claimed he heard former boxing world champion Steve Collins tell a National Stadium bouncer, "if…

AN AMBULANCE crew member has claimed he heard former boxing world champion Steve Collins tell a National Stadium bouncer, "if you don't know who I am, you will in a few minutes," before he allegedly punched him.

Alan Campbell said the doorman had asked several times to see Mr Collins's VIP pass to the National Stadium in Dublin when the former boxing star punched him in the face.

Mr Collins (44), St Albans, Hertfordshire, England, has pleaded not guilty to assaulting Albanian national Adrialik Voda when he was refused entry at the stadium on June 3rd, 2006.

Mr Campbell told Seán Gillane, prosecuting, that he heard "raised voices" at a nearby stadium emergency door where he had observed Mr Collins exit moments before.

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He said he heard him ask the bouncer twice: "Do you know who I am?", before warning him: "If you don't know who I am, you will in a few minutes."

Mr Campbell agreed with Martin Dully, defending, that he did not see the bouncer stop Mr Collins or stamp his hand as he left the stadium through the fire door moments before the incident, adding that he saw another person enter as Mr Collins exited.

He said he did not see Mr Voda push Mr Collins when he noticed the "commotion" at the door nor did he hear him ask the bouncer not to push him.

Mr Campbell described the former boxer as "very calm" and "joking in the ambulance" when his colleague treated the wound on his hand moments after the alleged assault.

The trial continues at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court before Judge Desmond Hogan and a jury.