A PENSIONER died after he challenged a teenager to a boxing bout.

Cliff Maidment, 67, was sent crashing to the ground when the 17-year-old punched him in the face, breaking his nose.

The fall fractured his skull, and the ex-Royal Navy sailor died in hospital after a five-day battle to save his life.

Yesterday, the 17-year-old, from Sunderland, who cannot be named, pleaded not guilty to manslaughter at Newcastle Crown Court.

Mr Maidment was a familiar sight around the streets of Sunderland.

He was often seen wearing shorts in all weathers and sporting head and wrist bands, striding out with his walking stick - although he had no use for one.

Christopher Prince, prosecuting, told the court that the divorced man, who lived alone in Leeds Street, Sunderland, had suffered mental illness, was being treated by a psychiatrist and had medication to control his condition.

He said his behaviour was bizarre and annoying to those who lived everyday lives.

The court heard how, at about 9.30pm on December 8, the defendant and his best friend were sitting outside the Blue Bell pub, in Fulwell, Sunderland, when Mr Maidment walked by.

The pensioner began shouting at the youths, before striking up an old-fashioned boxing pose and saying that, despite being 67, he could go three rounds with the 17-year-old.

The youth then punched Mr Maidment in the face, breaking his nose and causing him to fracture his skull on the ground.

Mr Maidment was rushed to Sunderland Royal Hospital and was later transferred to Newcastle General - but doctors failed to save him.

The teenager admitted punching Mr Maidment but denies manslaughter, claiming he was acting in self-defence.

Mr Prince said: "It is not lawful to punch someone in the face because they annoy you or because they make you look a fool.

"It is lawful to use violence when acting in self-defence. In this case the defendant admits he punched Mr Maidment in the face and admits he broke his nose.

"And he admits the punch led to the skull fracture and that that led to his death.

"He says he was acting in self-defence.

"The prosecution say that punch was unlawful."

The trial continues