A BOUNCER accused of killing a man outside a bar said he feared for his life and felt under attack, a court heard.

Leslie Wiseman, of Whitehouse Meadows, Eastwood, claims he acted in self defence when Paul Wallington suffered catastrophic injuries in the early hours of Christmas Day, 2018.

Mr Wallington, 25, died days later after being involved in the incident outside the Vine Bar, in Brentwood.

Wiseman denies manslaughter and told police when he was arrested that Mr Wallington had been aggressive.

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Giving evidence yesterday at Basildon Crown Court, Wiseman said: “I thought I was under attack and feared for my life and felt I had to protect myself.

“I walked away to get more help and I was terrified and overwhelmed with concern for him as he was laying on the floor.

“It was a really scary moment and the fact it was unconscious scared me even more.

“I picked him up in panic and was not thinking, but training told me it can be better to move someone like that depending on how they are laying.

“I was so scared, it was all new to me, I’d never hurt anyone before and I didn’t and still don’t think I did anything wrong.

“I left as I wanted to get away from the situation and calm down, I was shaking and terrified about his injuries and the way he hit the ground.”

The court was shown a number of messages between Wiseman and friends where he described the incident.

In one he said: “I may be arrested so tomorrow may be off. I just hit him once and caught him a dream and it was not a big swing, it was perfect.”

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He admitted he was “idiotic” to send the messages and they were part of a “pathetic bravado chat with mates”.

Wiseman had previously told police he has experience working within the prison service and ambulances.

A statement was also read out in court last Friday from Mr Wallington’s father Geoffrey, who revealed his son visited hospital three times between the incident and his death on December 29.

The trial previously heard from a witness who was unsure if the bouncer had punched or pushed, but insisted “excessive force” was used.

The trial continues.