One of the teens accused of an attack in Norwich's clubland which left a man with serious brain injuries told detectives his friend was responsible.
Achilles Lawrence Gate’te and Codie Marjoram, both 19, are on trial at Norwich Crown Court accused of a “joint enterprise” to commit acts of violence against people in the early hours of March 19 last year.
The court has heard one of those attacked in St Vedast Street, just off Prince of Wales Road, was David Constant who was taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital after suffering serious head injuries.
On Tuesday (April 4), the jury heard extracts of an interview Gate'te gave to police after he was arrested in which he said he had "retaliated in an act of defence".
He said it was after he was "punched twice" and "ended up on the floor".
The defendant said he "could've" caught the victim "in the side of the face very briskly" but insisted "it's all a blur, man."
Gate'te said he had not thrown either of the punches that sent Mr Constant "falling backwards to the floor".
Detectives asked: "Who was it?"
Gate'te said: "The person I was with".
Detectives again asked: "If it wasn't you, who threw them?
Gate'te replied: "I will answer you man, it was Codie
When asked again by detectives who had thrown the punches that sent the man to the floor he said: "Codie Marjoram."
When asked why he sent a text saying "we killing people" to a friend after the assault he said he was "showing off" but insisted it was a "facade".
Gate'te, of Cunningham Road, Norwich, has denied one count of causing grievous bodily harm and an offence of inflicting grievous bodily harm.
He has also denied five counts of assault by beating against five other victims.
Marjoram, of Calthorpe Road, Norwich, has denied one count of causing grievous bodily harm and one count of inflicting grievous bodily harm as well as denying assaulting three others.
The trial continues.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here