A MAN accused of assaulting a mechanic in his Weymouth home is standing trial at Dorchester Crown Court.

Joe Harvey Porter, also known as Joe Berryman, denies inflicting grievous bodily harm on James Smith on April 25 last year.

Garage owner Mr Smith, who now lives on Portland , was left with a broken bone below his eye as a result of the incident.

He told jurors that he had known 23-year-old Porter for some time and had agreed to do some work on a car with him.

Mr Smith said he was at his then home in Bradford Road, Weymouth, at around 10pm on the night of the alleged attack when Porter knocked on his door.

Mr Smith said the defendant came in and sat down as he continued to watch television.

He said: “We were sat there for a few minutes and the next thing I know I’ve had a blow to the head and he’s stood in front of me.”

Mr Smith said he had been caught unaware and hadn’t seen what Porter had struck him with or whether it was a fist.

He said the defendant then left, smashing a panel on his front door as he went out.

Porter, of Sandholes Close, Portland, told the jury he had gone to Mr Smith’s address to discuss matters relating to the car.

However, he said Mr Smith had refused to let him in and had closed the door on him, causing it to smash and injuring his arm.

Porter said he could not explain how Mr Smith had sustained his injuries but denied he had been responsible.

He added: “I didn’t assault him.”

The case continues.