[A] MAN accused of attacking and injuring a friend at a Lake District hotel has told a jury he lashed out only in self-defence.
Shane Harper, 27, is on trial at Carlisle Crown Court. He denies charges alleging an actual bodily harm assault on Adam Botha, and the aggravated taking of Mr Botha’s vehicle.
Both charges arise out of incidents at the Lodore Falls Hotel, near Keswick, on February 4. The men drank beer and champagne, and were said to be “drunk” upon returning to their hotel room.
Giving evidence earlier today (WED), Harper told jurors Mr Botha made unwanted physical contact as his back was turned.
He slapped Mr Botha who, he said, responded violently. During a struggle the two men went to ground and Harper suffered a cut face.
Harper admitted then delivering two blows with a clenched fist which, he admitted, would have caused facial fractures Mr Botha suffered.
But he insisted: “I calculated them basically in defence of an attack, to defend myself.”
Asked whether his recollection was clear, Harper, of no fixed address, stated: “Yes, it is.”
He insisted Mr Botha allowed him to use a car he later drove to Keswick.
The trial continues.
