A REGULAR visitor to the gay cruising area where Bruce Walker met his death told a court how he was attacked by murder suspect Lee Bright a year earlier.

Andrew Crook told police he was in The Gardens, Newcastle, in November 1998 when he was attacked by Mr Bright.

Mr Bright is accused of murdering Mr Walker, from Sunderland, who died on December 23, 1999, of three stab wounds, after a visit to the gay haunt.

Mr Crook said: "As soon as we brushed shoulders, I could instantly tell there was going to be a confrontation. I saw a punch coming towards me, and I tried to duck out of the way. Instead of hitting my face, he caught my shoulder and it pushed me over."

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Mr Bright attacked Mr Crook after spotting him wandering round the area.

Mr Crook said Mr Bright was drunk and was acting in a loud and rowdy manner. He added that there was no reason for the attack.

DNA which matched Mr Bright's was found under Mr Walker's nails, and the defendant was seen the next day with scratches on his face.

Security camera footage showed Mr Bright's van parked in a car park near the scene.

Clive Ryott, 32, had also been to The Gardens on December 23, and was attacked near some bushes. He broke free from the attacker, but was left with four stab wounds. He identified Mr Bright as his attacker.

Mr Bright, 26, of Woodland Crescent, Benwell, Newcastle, denies murder, wounding with intent and robbery.