A policewoman has been accused in court of exaggerating evidence in an attempt to protect another officer.

PC Michelle Avery denied she had deliberately tried to elevate bouncer Ian Jackson's role during violence outside a Brighton night club.

It was alleged at Hove Crown Court yesterday she had "come very close to committing perjury" in an attempt to protect her colleague.

PC Daren Egan had earlier admitted hitting the Crawley bouncer over the head with his baton, splitting his head open and causing a wound which needed 15 stitches.

He said he had feared for his life and the lives of other officers during the confrontation outside the Honey Club on Brighton seafront in March last year.

Jackson, 37, was part of a group from Crawley on a stag-night out which included other bouncers from clubs and pubs in the town.

PC Avery said when she arrived, members of the group appeared to be punching officers who were already there.

She said she became increasingly concerned about the strength of 6ft 8in, Jackson whose friends had hold of his arms.

She said: "He was very angry and threatening and I was very scared and did not want to get involved with him."

She said she had become involved with Jackson within minutes of her arrival at the scene and with other officers had formed a semicircle around him.

Phillip Matthews, defending Jackson, said: "You have told us that you were involved with Mr Jackson for ten to 15 minutes. That is a pack of lies."

PC Avery said: "That is incorrect."

Mr Matthews said: "I am saying that you are very close to perjuring yourself because you have sought to be partisan."

Robert Cohen, 25, of Climping Road, Ifield, Crawley; Simon Grimmer, 26, of Abinger Drive, Redhill; Wayne Howell, 26, and Jackson, both of Roffey Close, Horley, all deny violent disorder.

The trial continues.