Vinnie Jones Charged With Three Counts Of Assault

The British actor is accused of attacking Juan Barrera in a fight at Wiley`s Tavern, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, last Thursday.

Vinnie Jones has been charged with three counts of assault following a bar brawl last week.

The British actor - who needed 48 stitches to his face after being hit with a beer mug in the attack - is accused of attacking Juan Barrera in a fight at Wiley's Tavern, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, last Thursday (04.12.08).

Former soccer player Vinnie originally argued with another man, 24-year-old Jesse Bickett, who smashed a beer mug across his face, but Bickett will not face any charges for the incident.

Minnehaha county attorney Dave Nelson explained: “There will be no charges in relation to the fight between Mr. Bickett and Mr. Jones, which was decided to be mutual combat.

“Mr. Jones has been charged with three counts in relation to the attack on Juan Barrera.”

Barrera, a friend of Bickett’s, says the argument erupted after Vinnie became enraged when Barrera asked him: “Are you that guy from X-Men”, referring to a film Vinnie has appeared in.

Barrera added: "He got offended by that, and he started pushing my other friends around. He said he's been in so many other movies or whatever." Barrera says he then went to the toilet in the bar and when he came back Vinnie attacked him.

Vinnie cultivated a reputation as a tough guy on the soccer pitch playing for London team Wimbledon FC. After his retirement from the sport, he embarked on an acting career, taking roles as thugs and criminals.

Vinnie has had numerous brushes with the law and was convicted of air rage in 2003 after threatening a fellow passenger.

The 43-year-old star lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two children.  He is due to appear in court in South Dakota again on December 30, though a hired attorney is allowed to be present on his behalf.