A TECHNICAL engineer allegedly attacked a man at his then-girlfriend's house after a drink and drugs party, a jury was told.

Burnley Crown Court heard David Knowles, 25, had got wound up after alleged victim Ryan Walton stripped half-naked and flexed his muscles in front of his partner Lesley Woods.

He allegedly got more annoyed after Miss Woods, his partner of seven months, had been "pole dancing" and showing off in front of them both. Mr Walton was said to have "made comments," about mother-of-two Miss Woods during her performance, which had "sexual overtures".

Prosecutor Peter Horgan said the defendant "lost it", went over to Mr Walton and hit him with a cup he picked up as a weapon on the way. The complainant, who had stayed at Miss Woods' house after other revellers had left, fell to the sofa bleeding from the head.

Knowles, of Casterton Avenue, Burnley, denies assault causing actual bodily harm last April.

Giving evidence, the defendant said Mr Walton had been smoking cannabis and drank a moderate amount of alcohol. Knowles said he had not smoked any drugs.

The defendant, who had had two cups of cider, told the court he went to get some water and when he came back into the lounge Mr Walton had his top off and was flexing his muscles.

Knowles, questioned by his barrister Philip Holden, said the complainant was "a bit weird". He said Mr Walton was staring at him, he felt threatened and sensed something was going to happen. The defendant said he signalled to Miss Woods with his eyes that he wanted Mr Walton to go, but the alleged victim picked up on it and was annoyed. Knowles said he told Mr Walton he would have to leave and claimed he did not realise he had a cup in his hand.

The defendant said Mr Walton leapt up, and put his face up to his. Knowles said he put his arm up to protect himself as he thought he was going to be headbutted. Knowles claimed the cup broke on Mr Walton's head and the pair hit each other.

The defendant said he then went home. Later, Miss Woods turned up at his home and he called police after he told her to go away and she was kicking the door. He was arrested after Miss Woods spoke to an officer.

(Proceeding)