A MAN accused of joining three others in wielding a poker and coal shovel during an attack, yesterday told a court he had hidden behind a hedge and not attacked anyone.

Paul Robinson, 27, is accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Thomas Jones, who was attacked in June last year.

Mr Robinson, of Steam Mill Cottages, Easington, east Durham, denies the charge.

He is standing trial at Teesside Crown Court alongside Alan Atkinson, who is charged with the same offence. Mr Atkinson, 25, of Hazel Crescent, Easington, also denies the charge.

Two other men, Johnathan McGann, 25, of George Avenue, and Leslie Henderson, 27, of Bradley Street, both Easington, have admitted the charge.

Yesterday, Mr Robinson told the jury he had been attacked by a friend of Mr Jones, leaving him with an injured ankle after the two groups had left pubs in Easington following England's Euro 2000 match with Germany. An argument had broken out.

Mr Robinson said he had hidden behind a hedge and not seen any of the other men carrying a weapon.

He said he had not attacked Mr Jones, but had hidden behind a hedge because he "knew what was going on" and was "terrified".

The trial continues.