A YOUTH suffered a fractured skull after being hit over the head with a pool cue in a Kidderminster wine bar.

Michael Bowen told a jury at Worcester Crown Court that Paul Smith "offered out" his group of friends before attacking him.

Mr Bowen, who was covered in blood, tried to phone home outside Tico's in Blackwell Street, Kidderminster, but the blow left him speechless.

He was eventually taken home by a taxi driver he knew and rushed to hospital by his brother.

Mr Bowen said he lost his speech for a week, suffered a broken skull and a blood clot and still has ringing in his ears. He needed stitches and has a two-inch scar.

He claimed Smith complained that his cousin Clifford Hogkins had been "picked on" before the violence erupted on Saturday, June 30 last year.

Smith, aged 23, of Goldthorn Road, Kidderminster, denied causing Mr Bowen grievous bodily harm and an alternative charge of inflicting GBH.

He told police he hit another youth in self-defence and was then knocked out by a punch. He insisted that when he came to, everyone had left the wine bar.

But Nicolas Cartwright, prosecuting, maintained Smith was aggressive towards Mr Bowen's group and declared he would fight them all.

Smith allegedly punched Sean Griffin in the face which "sparked the mayhem that ensued", said Mr Cartwright.

In evidence, Mr Bowen said Mr Griffin told Smith they were having a good night out and did not want trouble.

After an exchange of blows between Mr Griffin and Smith, the defendant fell to the floor.

"I heard lots of fighting going on behind me," said Mr Bowen.

"Then he's there with the cue, holding it by the thin end. He just paused, then he hit me. He swung it like a baseball bat. A friend grabbed me and helped me outside."

The trial continues.