A 21-YEAR-OLD man accused of robbery told a jury he didn’t stop his friend attacking a teenager because he was afraid he might turn on him.

Benjamin Oates, of Pooles Lane, Charlbury, is on trial at Oxford Crown Court accused of robbing a 15-year-old – who cannot be named for legal reasons – on July 20 last year.

Oates denies that together with two other men he was involved in beating up the boy and stealing his mobile phone and keys.

Thomas Alcock, 22, also of Pooles Lane, has already admitted the crime and was sentenced at the court in March this year.

Christopher Hewertson, prosecuting, said the alleged attack took place outside The Carpenter’s Arms pub in Newland, Witney, at about 11.40pm.

Yesterday defence barrister Anthony McGeorge asked Oates, who was giving evidence for the first time, what happened on the evening of the robbery.

His client replied that as he was waking with Alcock he turned around and saw “the young boy falling” with his friend standing over him.

Mr McGeorge asked Mr McGeorge: “Did you go to the assistance of the boy on the floor?”

Oates: “No.”

Mr McGeorge: “Why not?”

Oates: “I don’t know, it happened that fast and Tom, when he’s like that, you can’t really say anything to him, because he’ll turn his attention on you.”

The trial continues.