The boy – who can't be named for legal reasons – told the jury at Lewes Crown Court that he tried to protect Ricky with his arms and body as the popular 15-year-old Forest School pupil was on the ground being hit.

Richard Martin, 19, of Heath Way, Horsham, has denied murdering Ricky.

He also denies wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm to the anonymous teenager.

Prosecutor Charles Miskin told the court earlier today (Monday August 18) that Ricky had died of head injuries caused by a nunchuk martial arts weapon.

Mr Miskin said Martin was asked to leave a fancy dress party in Gorringes Brook, Horsham, on November 3 last year.

He said Martin left but came back with the nunchuks and attacked Ricky, hitting him around the face and head.

Mr Miskin said the other teenager was injured when he tried to intervene.

Ricky was taken to East Surrey Hospital, in Redhill, then transferred to St Georges Hospital, in Tooting, London, where he was pronounced dead from a fractured skull and internal bleeding.

The case continues.

Regular trial updates will appear on this website throughout the day.

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