A witness has admitted making up claims that a man who died after a fight near a village pub had made neck slashing threats and attempted to punch his alleged killer.

Dale Jackson, 58, died in September 2021 after becoming involved in a confrontation with another man, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

D, a man in his 40s from Norfolk, has gone on trial at Norwich Crown Court accused of his manslaughter. He denies the charge.

The 19-year-old witness, who had been a passenger in the car driven by D, said he had been encouraged to make untrue claims. 

READ MORE: Man on trial after man killed in fight near Norfolk pub

Jurors were shown the video statement he gave to police in the immediate aftermath of the incident in which he said he had seen Mr Jackson direct a threatening neck cut gesture towards D before attempting to punch him. 

But giving evidence from behind screens in person, the witness changed his story, telling the court: “It’s not all true”.

“I felt I had to say that because I was told to,” he added.

He said they had been dropping someone off at the Suffield Arms pub in Thorpe Market when another car had forced them to stop leading to the confrontation between Mr Jackson and D. 

Eastern Daily Press: Floral tributes to Dale JacksonFloral tributes to Dale Jackson (Image: Newsquest)

Under cross examination he admitted he had not seen all of the fight but claimed to have been encouraged by D to say he had seen the victim make threatening gestures and throw a punch.  

“He told us that if we were questioned to make sure we mentioned the throat cutting thing,” he said. 

READ MORE: Norfolk pub manslaughter trial told of 'horrifying sound'

The trial has previously heard from two off duty police officers who described Mr Jackson being punched and falling backward.

The blow knocked him out and caused him to hit his head on the floor resulting in serious injuries from which he died a few days later.

The trial continues.