A SEDGLEY teenager accused of murder admitted he lied to police because he was scared about going to prison.

At his trial for the murder of Shane Watson, Shylon Wishart told a jury at Wolverhampton Crown Court he lied when he told cops he had tried to give first aid to the dying man.

The 19-year-old retail worker is alleged to have kicked and stamped on Mr Watson, a former Dormston School pupil, who was savagely killed after a night out with friends.

The four man-eight woman jury heard that after his arrest Wishart told police he found Mr Watson as he made his way home.

Wishart's statement, which was read by prosecutor Peter Grieves-Smith, said: "He was lying on the floor and he appeared to have head injuries. There was blood everywhere.

"I am not responsible for any of the injuries suffered by Shane Watson. I actually tried to help him. I tried to pick him up and administer first aid. I deny murder and any alleged offence in relation to this matter."

But when questioned by Mr Grieves-Smith after going into the witness box about why he had lied in the statement Wishart said: "Because I did not want to go to prison. Because I was scared."

Wishart of North Springfield, Sedgley has pleaded not guilty to murdering 23-year-old Mr Watson, 18-year-old James Cartwright of Sandyfields, Road, Sedgley has already pleaded guilty to the killing and will be sentenced at the end of Wishart's trial.

The jury has been told 23-year-old Mr Watson, a former worker with a local debt company, suffered serious head injuries and was found dead in a Sedgley alleyway in July last year.

The trial continues.