A GREENBANK man accused of attacking a party guest was insulted and grabbed around the throat, witnesses claim.

The jury at Plymouth Crown Court heard from two witnesses who claimed 21-year-old Jevan Summers – who stands accused of causing actual bodily harm to Andre Daniel – threw no punches at his alleged victim.

The court first heard from Det Con Kevin Lawson who noted how Summers admitted in interview drinking five bottles of cider in the run-up to and at the party in Turnchapel before popping next door with a handful of partygoers to the Boringdon Arms where he drank a further two pints of Guinness.

They got into conversation with Daniel, his girlfriend Kathryn Allan and another man who all later appeared at the house where the party was being held.

Taking the stand in his defence Summers, of Furzehill Road, said the atmosphere at both the party and the pub was "really good".

He said he could not recall inviting Mr Daniel, but when the owner of the property became aware of their presence she urged others to ask them to leave.

Summers said Mr Daniel became sarcastic and he "seemed a bit cocky, quite full of himself".

He said: "I said something back, to counteract his sarcastic comment. Andre was being aggressive back and others were trying to get him to leave. Andre was being stubborn and staying in the same place, arguing with me."

He said another person then stepped in, put Mr Daniel in a headlock and forced him out the door where "scuffles" ensued.

Summers said: "I saw Andre taking the punches but not who was punching from where I could see. I was shouting 'stop it'.

Another partygoer, James Field, appeared as a witness, claiming that Mr Daniel and his friends were "reluctant to leave" when asked.

He claimed Summers was "grabbed" by Mr Daniel "round the throat – pretty hard and pretty quick" whereupon Mr Daniel was "bustled out the door" by a group of people.

Another partygoer, Tristan Harry, told the court the party was "invite only" and things "started getting awkward" at the trio's arrival. As he had spoken to some of them in the neighbouring pub he acted upon the homeowners' request to ask them to leave and claimed one of the men was "okay with it". However, he became aware of the commotion in the hallway and when he went to intervene saw Mr Daniel just outside the front door being beaten by two men – neither being Summers.

Summers denies the charge.

The trial continues.