Murder accused admits to kicking victim Shane Watson
The man accused of murdering Shane Watson told jurors that he punched and kicked the 23-year-old victim in the Black Country alleyway where he died.
But Shylon Wishart said he did not kill Mr Watson or boast to revellers at a party about the attack.
The 19-year-old is alleged to have kicked, stamped on and urinated over Mr Watson, who was on his own after becoming separated from his girlfriend after a night out in Sedgley. Wolverhampton Crown Court previously heard that the victim, Wishart and James Cartwright, who has admitted murder, were involved in an argument in the alley off Springfield Grove, Sedgley, after Mr Watson had been asked to hand over a cigarette.
During questioning from his barrister, Michael Duck QC, former Dormston School pupil Wishart alleged that Mr Watson objected to Cartwright passing the cigarette to Wishart and used a racist term before "charging" at the defendant.
He added: "I was scared. I feared for my and James's safety. My instinct was to defend myself so I punched him."
The defendant said he also kicked Mr Watson more than once, with the first blow landing to the face.
Wishart told yesterday's hearing he had gone to Monty's Bar, in High Street, Sedgley, on July 27 with Cartwright to celebrate his friend's 18th birthday. The pair left at about 2am on the morning of July 28 and had intended to go to a party.
Wishart told jurors that they then came across Mr Watson in the alley.
Cartwright, aged 18, of Sandyfields Road, Sedgley, has admitted to murder.
Wishart, of North Springfield, Sedgley, denies the same charge. The trial continues.
