Former N-Dubz musician and Big Brother star Dappy told police he slapped a man in self defence, a court has heard.

The 27-year-old, who appears on the court list under his real name Dino Costas Contostavlos, of Fairfolds, Woodcock Hill, Sandridge denies assault by beating at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court.

Prosecutor Jaqueline Carey told the court the incident happened after Contostavlos carried out a "meet and greet" at Chicago's in Chelmsford, Essex.

After the alleged incident, which happened at around 2am in the morning, the performer was arrested by police and claimed he acted in self-defence.

But Ms Carey claimed: "When the defendant lashed out, he was not under any threat or any perceived threat of violence.

"The CCTV suggests he had no genuine and honest belief that he needed to use force to defend himself."

She said Contostavlos claimed the other man had been abusive towards him earlier in the night and repeated this in the smoking area.

Comedian Jim Davidson, a friend after they both appeared in Celebrity Big Brother, was in the public gallery supporting him.

The trial continues.