A DUDLEY teenager accused of the brutal murder of a man found battered to death in a Sedgley alleyway has told a jury he punched out because he feared for his own safety.

Shylon Wishart maintained he and his friend James Cartwright came across 23-year-old Shane Watson and they got into an argument after asking him for a cigarette.

The 19-year-old retail worker said it appeared Mr Watson objected to Cartwright passing the cigarette onto him and he was then abusive before charging at him.

"I was scared," Wishart told the four man-eight woman jury at Wolverhampton Crown Court. "I feared for my safety and for James. My instinct was to defend myself so I punched him. I think it popped his nose."

Wishart of North Springfield, Sedgley, said he also kicked out at Mr Watson but he has strenuously denied killing him or boasting about what had happened later that evening to revellers at a party.

The prosecution have alleged Wishart and Carwright punched, kicked and stamped and then urinated on Mr Watson, a former Dormston School pupil, whose body was found in the alleyway by his mother and girlfriend.

Wishart told the court he and Cartwright came across Mr Watson who was on his mobile and he appeared to be having an argument.

"James spoke to him but I don't think he asked him for a cigarette," said Wishart. "I don't know if he gave him one or not but James came to me and asked me to light one."

He said he was then involved in a fight with Mr Watson and that he phone then rang so he left the alleyway.

When he returned to the scene Mr Watson was lying on his back and he claimed Cartwright was standing over him.

"Shane was bleeding all over and I could not tell his facial features," said Wishart. "His trousers and his underwear had been pulled down to his thighs."

Wishart of North Springfield, Sedgley has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Watson - a charge that has been admitted by 18 year old Cartwright of Sandyfields Road, Sedgley - and his trial is continuing.