A HAMPSHIRE businessman has described the moment he was sent flying after allegedly being attacked by a former boxing champion.

Richard Baker, who runs his own car painting and bodywork business, told Southampton Crown Court that he was about to work on a Mazda when a gang of men arrived at the premises.

He alleged that the man who assaulted him was ex-boxer Daniel Harkins, owner of Samson’s Gym in Derby Road, Eastleigh.

On Wednesday the court was told that the men were trying to find two people they suspected of being involved in an arson attack in which the gym was destroyed.

Yesterday Mr Baker said he was repeatedly punched by Harkins and knocked off his chair.

He told the court: “My eye and my jaw were swollen and my neck, where he put his finger in my throat, hurt for about two weeks.”

Describing the moment he was punched in the face he added: "I went backwards and the chair went backwards with me on it."

Harkins, 36,of Sherborne Road, Eastleigh, Jamie Kingstone, 40, of Paynes Road, Shirley, Leroy King, 34,of Dutton Lane, Eastleigh, Rodney Traves, 47, of Croydon Close, Southampton, Peter Chamberlain, 49, of Chaucer Road, Southampton, and Alan Boddy, 47, are charged with conspiracy to kidnap, kidnap and assault.

All have pleaded not guilty. The trial continues.