A MAN had his throat slashed when he was attacked and robbed as he walked home from a night out

A jury was told how victim Stephen Fleming was left unconscious after the late-night beating, at the hands of at least two men.

One of his alleged assailants, Ricardo Dunn, 19, was later found to have Mr Fleming's blood on his clothes, but claims although he was there, he had nothing to do with what went on.

Dunn, of Cotton Street, Burnley, denies robbery on February 23, this year.

Martin Hackett, prosecuting, told Burnley Crown Court it was alleged the defendant was involved in the attack on Mr Fleming, when cash and cigarettes were taken.

Mr Fleming was hit by one of the men, a struggle took place and the complainant ended up on the ground. At that stage, Mr Fleming felt a sharp pain to his neck, was punched and kicked and became unconscious.

Mr Hackett said a police officer saw the defendant between Junction Street and Pendle Way in the area where the attack took place and he was later arrested.

A tobacco wrapper was found at his home, as well as a knife behind a picture frame in the same room.

Mr Fleming told the court he just remembered getting beaten up.

Cross-examined by John Woodward, defending, Mr Fleming said he had drunk about eight pints of lager.

Mr Woodward said the complainant was attacked by two men, Dunn was present but played no part in it or in taking anything from him. Dunn had got some of Mr Fleming's blood on his boots and clothing but was not responsible for assaulting him.

Mr Woodward asked Mr Fleming: " You can't say whether that's right or wrong, can you?" The complainant: "No."

The barrister went on: "He says two men attacked you and he effectively said at some stage to leave you alone."

Mr Fleming said: " I don't know. I didn't hear anything."

(Proceeding)