CLAIMS that a motorist deliberately drove towards another man after an argument are “nonsense”, a court heard.

Stephen Mann is accused of driving his Ford Fiesta at Matthew Williams, after the pair had an argument about a relationship between Mann’s brother and Mr Williams’ sister.

On the second day of the trial the jury heard from Mr Williams’ cousin, Stephen Williams, who was with him at the time of the alleged incident.

Mark Friend, defending, claimed that Stephen Williams’ account of the incident was “nonsense”, and that it was Matthew Williams who was the aggressor.

He said: “I suggest that when Matthew Williams saw Stephen Mann parked at the side of the road, he couldn’t resist mouthing off at him, and that’s what he did.”

Mr Friend alleged that Matthew Williams confronted Mann after seeing him in Mobberley Road, Breightmet, on the evening on September 3, 2013.

He said Mann told Matthew Williams to “clear off” but when he refused Mann drove off in his car

It was alleged in court that Matthew Williams then threw a brick at the defendant's car, smashing the windscreen and then jumping onto the bonnet.

But giving evidence yesterday, Stephen Williams denied this, and said he witnessed the car hitting his cousin at about 20mph.

Stephen Williams said he had gone for a drink in Bolton town centre, before walking back to Breightmet for another drink in his local pub, when he saw Mann.

He said Mann, aged 34, suddenly stopped his car and got out, walking towards him and his cousin.

Mr Williams said his cousin then had an argument with Mann, before Mann got back in his car and drove towards him.

He said: “I was on the pavement and saw it all happen on the road.

"I heard a tyre squeal, and I shouted to Matthew who turned around and jumped to try and land on the bonnet.”

Mann, of Stanworth Avenue, Breightmet, denies causing grievous bodily harm with intent, unlawful wounding and dangerous driving.

The trial continues.