THE youth accused of murdering Sophie Lanc-aster admitted throwing the first punch at her boyfriend - but claimed he took no further part in the attack.

The 15-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, took the stand as his defence got under way in the Preston Crown Court trial.

He admitted the punch which began the attack on the couple at Stubbylee Skate Park, Bacup, on August 11, 2007.

But he told the jury that Robert Maltby, 21, laughed when he hit him and he had then 'withdrawn'.

The prosecution alleged that the boy and a 16-year-old who has admitted murder carried out a 'savage and merciless' attack on former Haslingden High School pupils Sophie, 20, and Robert as they were dressed 'differently'.

The boys and three others aged between 16 and 17 have all admitted grievous bodily harm in relation to the attack on Robert.

The 15-year-old told the jury he had drunk two litres of cider, strong spirits and a bottle of lager in the hours leading up to the attack.

He said he did not speak to Robert or Sophie, who had been talking to a group of girls at the skate park.

The boy said the only reason he hit Robert was because somebody said 'let's bang him'.

He said others then attacked Robert and the boy who admitted murder attacked Sophie.

The boy said he had tried to pull Sophie's attacker away from her as the attacker stamped on her head.

He said in a police interview: "I had not spoken to either of them.

"The next thing I remember is a lad shouting 'somebody hit him'.

"I don't know why I did it. I was drunk and showing off."

The defendant said he could not explain why his tracksuit bottoms were stained with Robert's blood and said unidentified blood on his shoes may have come from a 'bad cut' on his finger earlier that night.

He said injuries to his hands could have come from his work.

He told the jury he did not know where fingertip-like bruises on his left forearm had come from.

He told the police in interview: "I am sorry the girl got hurt."

Michael Sturrick, prosecuting, said: "The witnesses suggest you went in and attacked him after he laughed at you.

"Are you telling the jury all you did was tap him and send him back a bit causing no injury? That's just not true is it?

"He and his girlfriend were different from you.

"Did that have something to do with you hitting him. Is that why you hit him?"

He denied the solicitor's claims.

Sophie died two weeks after the incident and Robert has made only a partial recovery.

(Proceeding)