[A] MAN has told a jury a punch which broke his friend’s jaw was thrown in self-defence.
Ritchie Townsend, 24, is on trial at Carlisle Crown Court having pleaded not guilty to causing Dean Greenhalgh grievous bodily harm, on July 28 last year.
Townsend also denies perverting the course of justice, allegedly by threatening violence towards Mr Greenhalgh if he reported the “assault” to police.
It is alleged Mr Greenhalgh was the subject of an “unprovoked” attack. His jaw was broken in two places, with plates and screws later inserted.
But giving evidence today (THURS), Townsend said he acted only out of “instinct” and to protect himself inside his Napier Street flat in Workington after Mr Greenhalgh “swung” at him.
“I felt so upset that I had had to do it, and the injury that I have caused is unforgivable,” Townsend told jurors.
He insisted: “He went for me first.”
The trial continues.