A 19-year-old man alleged to have beat up a van driver after asking him for a cigarette was yesterday accused of trying to "pull the wool" over the eyes of a jury.
The prosecution said that Mark Blowes and his friends had come up with a story to clear him of blame.
Mr Blowes, 19, of Dunkery Close, Ingleby Barwick, near Stockton, is said to have kicked and punched Craig Johnston, breaking his hand and leaving him with a bruised head.
But Mr Blowes claims it was Mr Johnston who attacked him after he asked and was refused a cigarette in Barwick Way, Ingleby Barwick.
Yesterday, Mr Blowes' friend Michael Cooper told Teesside Crown Court that Mr Johnston said to the defendant, "You are not so cheeky now", before attacking him.
Sarah Mallet, prosecuting, said this was a story designed to help out Mr Blowes who would act aggressively and attack strangers.
Mr Blowes denies assault occasioning actual bodily harm on July 12 last year.
The trial continues.
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