A man has denied attempted murder at a trial in which he is accused of breaking another man's skull with an axe after a dispute over money.

Andrew Williams, 37, suffered serious head injuries in the attack in May last year and is still undergoing medical treatment.

Frederick Edwards, 33, of Hawkhurst Close, Eastbourne, has denied attempted murder at his trial at Lewes Crown Court.

He has also denied maliciously wounding Mr Williams with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The victim told the jury that he had no memory of the attack.

He said he had been drinking heavily that day and had taken amphetamine - known as speed - and smoked some heroin. He recalled being in the pub and then waking up in hospital.

He said: "My memory started when I woke up in hospital. I was told I had life-threatening head injuries. I am still suffering."

Richard Merz, prosecuting, told the court that the two men had been in dispute over money.

Mr Williams had carried out some work for Edwards clearing an overgrown garden in Bexhill and believed he was still owed wages.

When Mr Williams called at Edwards' home, a window in the door was smashed and Edwards picked up an axe.

He said Edwards wielded the axe and caused the injuries, including a fractured skull.

He said: "The prosecution say striking a person over the head with an axe must have intended to kill, or at very least intended to cause really serious injury."

Mr Merz told the court that in an interview after his arrest, Edwards accused Mr Williams of attacking him first with a hammer.

The trial continues.