Richard Martin, 19, of Heath Way, Horsham, denies murdering popular Forest School boy Ricky, and denies wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm to another teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

Last week, the court heard evidence from a witness who said that Martin threatened to shoot her as he was leaving the scene of the incident outside a party in Gorringes Brook, Horsham.

Asked about it today, Martin told prosecutor Charles Miskin QC that he hadn't made that threat, and couldn't have carried it out as he didn't have a gun.

However, the court heard that police had found an air rifle and crossbow in his bedroom.

Mr Miskin challenged Martin: "That was untrue, wasn't it?"

Martin replied: "When I said 'I don't have a gun', I meant it as in 'I don't have a gun that holds bullets.'"

He said he used the air rifle to shoot rabbits on a friend's farm, while the crossbow 'was for decoration'.

"The air rifle barely kills rabbits, let alone humans, and the crossbow probably would bounce off someone," he added.

Earlier, Mr Miskin had asked him to explain his actions in attacking Ricky Butler with a nunchuk.

Martin said he had felt scared and humiliated by the behaviour of other people at the party, and had reacted to that.

"I believe alcohol may have been a factor," he added.

Mr Miskin said: "It may have loosened your inhibitions, as it often does, but it's not drink's fault - it's your fault."

Martin denies the charges.

The case continues at Lewes Crown Court.

Regular trial updates will appear on this website.

Martin's remorse

Martin admits manslaughter

Friend's call to Martin after attack

Martin's martial arts 'interest'

Ricky's last moments

Pathologist gives evidence

Witness recalls gatecrasher

Witness describes attack

Teen witness breaks down in tears

Ricky Butler murder trial update

Jury hears nunchuk allegations


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