Brighton man attacked with machete following argument, court hears

William Miller is accused of stabbing Ryan Greer multiple times at his flat in Whitehawk Close, Brighton, at around 12.30pm on July 14 last year.

Mr Greer, 35, fled Miller’s flat and collapsed at the bottom of the road.

People living in the area overheard his calls for help, gave him first aid and called 999.

Mr Greer was taken to hospital with “long cuts” to his back and multiple stab wounds to his head. Witnesses described a "big gash" on his head and a "flap of skin loose behind his ear".

A police cordon at the bottom of Whitehawk Close

Mr Greer also attempted to call 999 twice saying he was bleeding out, Lewes Crown Court sitting at Chichester heard.

Jonathan Atkinson, prosecuting, said the two men were known to each other.

He said: “Following an argument at a flat in Whitehawk Close, he [Miller] wielded a machete and stabbed him in the back and head.

“Mr Greer left the property and made it to the front of the property to try and call police. Locals came to help him.

“They saw a male lying in the road, he was bleeding heavily and calling for help. He was covered in blood which was coming from his neck, back and a stab wound from his hand.

“You will also hear another male shouting aggressively (on Mr Greer's 999 call) ‘you’re going to think I am a f****** African by the time I’m done with you’ which we say is a reference to the machete.

“There was a deep cut to his back and this one you may find distressing. There were a number of wounds to his head.

“A picture was taken of Mr Greer with wounds including staples in the back of his head.”

Witnesses said Mr Greer was "bleeding a lot" and his T-shirt was drenched in blood.

Miller, 43, denies causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

A towel at the scene and one of several evidence markers at the scene (Image: Andrew Gardner/The Argus)

Syam Soni, defending, said Miller was acting in self-defence and was attacked by Mr Greer first.

He said: “The defendant’s case is that he was at all times acting in self-defence. He says he was attacked unprovoked by Mr Greer.”

An ambulance arrived at the scene within two minutes and police shortly after. Detectives noted a blood trail up to the flat. They found blood at the address but there was no sign of Miller.

Police issued an arrest warrant and put out an appeal on social media.

Evidence markers up the road (Image: Andrew Gardner/The Argus)

Miller handed himself in on July 17 and took in a bag of clothing which he said he wore at the time. He also took in a machete which he said was used, the court heard.

He told police he and Mr Greer got into an argument “about a charging cable”. He said Mr Greer punched him in the face and had his hands around his neck.

He picked up a machete that was nearby and tried to put it between them. Miller said he struck down at Mr Greer and aimed for his head.

Photos taken at the police station showed Miller had “scratch marks” to his hand and behind his ear.

The trial continues.