A businessman was left battered by thugs on the Palace Pier after a ride on the bumper cars, a court heard.

The computer analyst was attacked by a gang as he enjoyed a summer's evening out with friends.

London's Southwark Crown Court heard yesterday Kuram Kiani received a beating from a gang after refusing to give them a cigarette.

Sarah Thorne, prosecuting, said the assault took place on the evening of July 13, last year, when Mr Kiani was with two friends.

She said: "They were on the pier enjoying a summer evening. Mr Kiani had just been on the bumper cars and they were standing together on the pier."

The friends were approached by a group of five, possibly including a woman.

Ms Thorne said one of the gang members approached Mr Kiani and asked for a cigarette but he refused.

Ms Thorne alleged David Rodrigues then told the victim 'I will take it myself then' before launching an unprovoked attack.

Rodrigues, of St James Road, West Croydon, Surrey, denies causing actual bodily harm.

The trial continues.