JURORS today heard from a man who is accused of repeatedly kicking and punching a father and son as they walked in Christchurch Park, Ipswich.Dolian McKenzie, 19, of Upton Close, Ipswich, was called by the defence to give evidence in the case at Ipswich Crown Court.

JURORS today heard from a man who is accused of repeatedly kicking and punching a father and son as they walked in Christchurch Park, Ipswich.

Dolian McKenzie, 19, of Upton Close, Ipswich, was called by the defence to give evidence in the case at Ipswich Crown Court.

McKenzie told the court that on May 31, 2002 he had been in the park with some friends drinking lager since the afternoon.

He said he had had around six cans of lager and was "feeling happy". He said he became aware of an argument taking place between some of his friends, which included his sister and two other men.

He said: "I came round the corner and there were people arguing. They were arguing with these two blokes who I had never seen before."

McKenzie said that he walked over to see what was happening and one of the two men said "that's him". McKenzie then said that a brawl started in which "everybody lashed out".

A brawl ensued in which the sister of McKenzie, Marquitta, was struck by Philip Shepherd who was accompanied by his son Lee.

McKenzie said: "I went over to help my sister and this bloke started lashing out and we ended up in a brawl. He was dragging me all over the grass. I was fighting him and his son was fighting someone else."

He said the brawl ended when the park keeper came over and told them all to leave although both groups made their way towards the Woolpack Pub in Tuddenham Road, Ipswich.

A further scuffle ensued between Mr Shepherd and McKenzie outside the park but the father and son then made their way to the pub while the group of youths waited outside. Bricks were thrown near the pub.

McKenzie claimed he had been acting in self-defence by attacking Mr Shepherd and denies affray.

Yesterday Mr Shepherd told of how he had been temporarily blinded in one eye after being punched. He said that he had gone for a walk in the park with his son to "kill time" when they were approached by a group of youths who wouldn't let them pass. He said he was then struck and was very frightened during the attack.

The jurors are expected to retire later today. The trial continues.