A Watford teenager has denied stabbing a man in the neck and stomach during a fight outside a pub.

Daryl Tunnicliff, 19, of Newhouse Crescent, Watford, is accused of attacking his victim outside The Flag, in Station Road, Watford, on August 16, 2008.

Tunnicliff is jointly charged with Damian Purcell, 20, of Westlea Avenue, Watford with assault occasioning ABH.

The jury at St Albans Crown Court heard the incident arose after a "rock" was thrown at Tunnicliff's car.

Tunnicliff admitted getting out of the vehicle with his friend Purcell and ending up in a fight with the two men, but denied having a knife or stabbing anyone.

He said a T-shirt he wore that night had been thrown away because it was ripped.

Gavin Pottinger, prosecuting, cross examined Tunnicliff from the witness box yesterday (Wednesday).

Tunnicliff denied inflicting the wounds or that he had seen the young victim bleeding from the neck.

He had driven off from the scene before police arrived, but denied it was because he had used a knife.

A member of pub staff told police Tunnicliff had said: "We have got to go" but the defendant denied using those words.

Tunnicliff came forward after someone told him his picture was printed in the Watford Observer as part of a witness appeal.

However, in interview he refused to answer police questions on the advice of his solicitor.

Mr Pottinger said: "You have no explanation for a stab wound to the neck and a stab wound to the stomach. He [the victim] didn't have a knife in his hand stabbing himself?

"I didn't see that, no," replied Tunnicliff.

Mr Pottinger said: "The truth Mr Tunnicliff is that you did see that blow.

"You saw him double over right in front of you and it was then that you realised what you had done and it was then that you wanted to get away."

"Not at all," said Tunnicliff.

Mr Pottinger continued: "As far as you were aware this was an ordinary fight?

"Two lads against two other lads, who were in the wrong, because one had damaged your car.

"If that was the case why didn't you wait after the bar staff had separated you, why didn't you wait and get their names and addresses?

"Isn't the reason you said 'We have got to go' is because you had stabbed someone and you need to get out of there before you get in more trouble for it?"

Tunnicliff said: "No, not at all."

Mr Pottinger concluded: "I suggest, Mr Tunnicliff, that you lost your temper that night.

"There was no excuse for the victim to throw a rock at your car, but this was no excuse for you to attack him with a knife and attack his friend, as well."

The trial continues.