[A] MAN accused of robbing and attacking his friend in a Lake District hotel room has gone on trial.
Shane Ian Harper, 27, denies four charges which all arise out of alleged incidents on February 4.
A jury at Carlisle Crown Court heard today (MON) how Harper and pal of 15 years Adam Botha checked into the Lodore Falls Hotel at Borrowdale, near Keswick.
Mr Botha said in evidence the pair drank two bottles of champagne at the hotel, one of which Harper smashed on a floor.
They returned to their hotel room where, the prosecution allege, Harper subjected Mr Botha to a “vicious attack”.
Mr Botha recalled events earlier in the evening, but told jurors he didn’t remember any violence by Harper in the room. He confirmed, however, he did suffer a fractured cheekbone, a black eye and facial swelling.
And, the court heard, in a statement to police hours after the incident, Mr Botha alleged Harper “just began punching me numerous times to the face”. He added: “The connection of the punches made a loud cracking sound.”
However, Harper, of no fixed address, denies robbery, actual bodily harm assault, the aggravated taking of a vehicle belonging to Mr Botha, and theft of his car keys and a phone.
The trial continues.
