Plymouth man denies trying to rob aunt's partner in street

A MAN has denied trying to rob his aunt's partner during an attack in the street, a court heard.

Paul Easby, aged 35, told a jury what he did to the man was a "horrible thing".

But he told his trial he did not mean to seriously injure 62-year-old Alan Clarke when he repeatedly punched him as he lay on the ground.

Plymouth Crown Court has heard that he was left with a fractured cheekbone after the attack in November 2011.

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Easby told the jury in evidence: "It is a horrible thing to have done to him. I am not saying it is an excuse for what I have done. I am sorry for what I did. I was not thinking straight."

Easby said he attacked Mr Clarke in Rendle Street, Stonehouse, after his girlfriend complained that he had propositioned her – which Mr Clarke strongly denies.

Mr Clarke said he was also kicked around the head by Easby who then tried to pull a valuable gold bracelet and another bracelet from his wrist.

Easby added: "I just lost it. I was really angry. I was not thinking much. I am angry now just thinking about it.

"I intended just to hurt him and bloody his nose up a little and I thought that was what I did."

He denied kicking him during the assault or trying to pull off his bracelets.

Easby, of Cornwall Beach, Devonport, denies causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

He also pleads not guilty to the alternative of causing grievous bodily harm without intent.

But he admitted assaulting Alan Clarke causing actual bodily harm.

Easby also denies attempted robbery as part of the same incident and the alternative of attempted theft of the bracelets.

He admitted he had been taking heroin since he was 21 years old.

But he said at the time of the offence he was clean and using the blocking drug Subutex.

Elaine Hobson, for the Crown Prosecution Service, asked him whether he saw the older man wearing the bracelet and thought he was an "easy target".

Easby denied this.

Miss Hobson said: "You were a desperate man in search of money or something to trade for drugs."

Easby said: "No, not at all."

The jury retired to consider their verdicts yesterday lunchtime but were sent home last night to start their deliberations again today.