A MAN needed emergency surgery after being stabbed with a piece of broken glass, it was alleged.Gary Kirkby collapsed unconscious in an alleyway in Haverhill after his bowel was punctured, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

A MAN needed emergency surgery after being stabbed with a piece of broken glass, it was alleged.

Gary Kirkby collapsed unconscious in an alleyway in Haverhill after his bowel was punctured, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

Mr Kirkby, who later remembered nothing about the incident, also suffered two cuts behind his left ear which needed stitches and a large cut to his neck which required exploratory surgery.

Before Ipswich Crown Court yesterday was Warren McCormack, 20, of Church Street, Hundon near Haverhill who has denied wounding Mr Kirkby with intent to do him grievous bodily harm.

Justin Cole, prosecuting, told the court that on the night of the alleged attack Mr Kirkby and a friend had visited two pubs in Haverhill.

During the evening there had been some bad feeling between Mr Kirkby and his friend and McCormack and his friend.

When McCormack left the Drabbit's Smock pub in Haverhill he was allegedly seen on a CCTV camera carrying a pint beer glass hidden under his jacket.

Near an alleyway called Church Passage Mr Kirkby's friend had become involved in a fight and a second fight had then started between the defendant and Mr Kirkby.

The men had thrown punches at each other and a third man had joined in, said Mr Cole.

He alleged that McCormack was seen delivering "sweeping blows" to Mr Kirkby's head and body and shortly afterwards Mr Kirkby had collapsed onto the ground.

An ambulance was called and McCormack had run off.

After his arrest he admitted getting involved in a fight but denied stabbing Mr Kirkby.

He claimed he was the victim of an assault by Mr Kirkby and had cuts on his face and to his right hand which Mr Cole alleged were caused by him brandishing a sharp weapon.

The trial continues.