Mr Ryan denies the charges against him

Lee Ryan, 20, a singer with band Blue, hit out after leaving the 10 Rooms nightclub in central London, Horseferry Road Magistrates' Court was told.

But his defence said the photographers had behaved like a "pack of wolves".

The singer, who lives in Vauxhall, south London, denies common assault and criminal damage last December.

About five or six photographers were waiting outside when Mr Ryan left the club at 0330 GMT, the court heard.

Photographers followed star

He began walking down the street, followed by photographers and fans who wanted their picture taken with him, the court was told.

One of the photographers, Conor Nolan, said the singer told them: "If you do not stop taking pictures, I will break your camera."

When they continued, he pushed Mr Nolan twice in the chest and punched out at another photographer, David Abiaw, "rendering his camera useless", prosecutor Mubeena Cockar-Khan said.

Cross examining Mr Abiaw, defence solicitor Nick Freeman said the photographers had been determined to get a picture of the star with a young woman who was with him.

Mr Freeman said the singer was trying to shield the girl who was "stone deaf" and "absolutely petrified".

The case has been adjourned.