A MAN has appeared in court accused of being part of a group who stabbed a man in the neck with a screwdriver.

Will Hay was smoking outside the Brewers Arms pub, inVictoria Place, Brightlingsea, on Wednesday at 11.20pm when he noticed an argument across the road.

Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard he went across the street and one of the three men took out a screwdriver and told him to hand over everything he had.

When Mr Hay refused, it is alleged Justin Weirich, 25, of Starfield Road, Hammersmith, London, began attacking him.

The court was told Mr Hay, 27, of Upper Park Road, Brightlingsea, tried to get away, but was pulled to the ground and punched byWeirich and two other men, who were not named in court.

Mr Hay eventually fled and sought refuge in the Kings Head pub, about 100 yards away.

Emergency services reported Mr Hay was bleeding profusely from the neck and a main artery had been cut.

They also reported evidence of “several assaults”, some of which could have been caused by a sledge hammer.

He was taken to Colchester General Hospital and is said to be recovering well.

Roger Pearson, prosecuting, told the court Mr Hay had serious injuries and the incident was captured on CCTV.

Weirich was charged with attempted wounding when he appeared at court yesterday and did not enter a plea.

He was remanded in custody.

There was no application for bail.

A plea and case management hearing will take place at Chelmsford Crown Court in January