A 24-year-old took the stand against advice from his lawyer, telling the jury in an Supreme Court trial that he never stabbed or attacked victim Kevon Albouy.

Joshua Wolffe initially opted not to give evidence and the defence case was closed on Friday. But yesterday, he said he misunderstood the court process and in fact wanted to testify.

Wolffe, of Cockburn Road, Sandys, is charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, having a bladed article in a public place, wilful damage to a car, intimidating a witness and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

The alleged incident happened near Five Star Island, Southampton, on July 10 last year.

Wolffe told the court he was at his friend's house when Mr. Albouy appeared with two men.

An altercation began shortly after the arrival of an RC bike, he said.

Wolffe told the court he was not part of the fight but that Mr. Albouy, 21, appeared delirious at the end of it.

"He was reckless, running into the road and I said 'he's trying to die tonight' meaning one of the cars are going to pick him tonight. Everyone was crowding around watching but I wasn't."

The defendant said he felt he had been set up and said the victim was "famous for that".

He told the court Mr. Albouy's friend drove off and left him.

Wolffe added that he was arrested by Police at his home the next morning.

He said the officers, who had a search warrant, said they were looking for brass knuckles and a padlock and chain.

Wolffe said he told the officers: "I don't need to use brass knuckles because I wear a lot of rings and I punch hard."

He denied telling Mr. Albouy to drop the charges but admitted that when asked by the victim's cousin if he wanted him to talk to Mr. Albouy about dropping the charges, he said yes.

Mr. Albouy has previously told Supreme Court he was set upon by Wolffe and co-defendants Steven Iris and Leshaun Scott as he sat in his mother's car. Mr. Albouy's injuries, as described in court, included six stab wounds to his back. Iris and Scott have both pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Director of Public Prosecutions Rory Field cross-examined Wolffe and said: "I suggest to you that a lot of what we've heard today has been made up recently."

Wolffe said no.

Mr. Field continued: "And I suggest to you that you're making this up. In fact you closed your case on Friday. You weren't going to stand. I'm saying that you're trying to put a network of lies into what you say in order to cover the damaging evidence against you."

Wolffe disagreed.

The trial continues.