THE jury in the Sean Whyte murder trial has heard statements from prosecution and defence lawyers about what happened the night the 17-year-old was stabbed.

Hasan Mumtaz, 18, of North Street, Colne, denies murder, wounding and violent disorder. His brother Wasim Mumtaz, 21, also of North Street, denies violent disorder.

The charges relate to an incident in North Street on September 29 last year which prosecutor Anthony Gee QC described as "a serious public disorder."

Mr Gee told the jury they had heard evidence from those who were involved, as well as neighbours, bystanders and other residents.

He added that eight of the witnesses who took part in identity parades had failed to identify Hasan Mumtaz but that two, Aaron Dwyer and David McFarlane, had seen his face and later identified him.

He said that while in the witness box, Hasan Mumtaz had tried to "wriggle out of responsibility."

He later added: "There is nothing here to excuse what happened. It was murder, pure and simple."

Stephen Riordon QC, defending Hasan, described the case as "complicated" and said the events of the evening had been "set against a background of darkness and confusion."

He added: "Obviously this is not a case where the defendant is saying he wasn't there at all, he is saying 'I was there, I did certain things but I did not stab Sean Whyte, somebody else must have done that although I didn't see it happen'.

"There has to have been somebody at that street corner who had a knife but who is not before this court."

Mr Riordan later told the jury that Hasan Mumtaz had drawn attention to himself during his arrest and questioned whether any of the witnesses had identified him because of that.

(Proceeding)