Man tells trial he did not help brother flee UK

A car was driven at a crowd gathered outside a nightclub in Luton in April, jurors were told

The brother of a fugitive from justice accused of driving a car into a crowd outside a nightclub has denied hatching a plan to "get him out of the country".

Nardi Bytyci, 23, was charged with two counts of attempted murder after people were injured outside the Kumba Lounge in Chapel Street, Luton, on Saturday, 5 April.

Erion Bytyci, 28, of Manor Road, Luton, is accused of helping his brother "flee" the UK and denies a charge of perverting the course of justice.

He has told his trial at Luton Crown Court he had "nothing to do" with his brother Nardi going missing.

Martyn Bowyer, prosecution barrister, has told jurors how Nardi Bytyci, who lived in Fanshawe Avenue, Barking, east London, had "evaded justice".

He said a Fiat 500 was driven into a crowd outside the Kumba Lounge at about 03:30 BST leaving people with "life threatening" injuries.

Nardi Bytyci was detained at the scene by members of the public until police arrived, jurors heard.

Erion Bytyci is on trial at Luton Court Court accused of perverting the course of justice

Mr Bowyer said Nardi Bytyci was also charged with driving with excess alcohol.

He was granted bail when he appeared at Luton Magistrates' Court on Monday, 7 April, on the condition he remained living in Barking, report daily to a police station, and hand his passport to police.

The prosecution said that by about 08:00 on Wednesday, 9 April, Nardi Bytyci was in France and evidence indicated Erion Bytyci had helped.

Mr Bowyer said mobile phone data showed the two brothers, both "Albanian nationals", were together on 8 April.

Nardi Bytyci had also messaged his brother to say he was on a ferry sailing from Dover, jurors were told.

Erion Bytyci said he drove his brother to Dover but had nothing to do with him leaving the UK

Erion Bytyci told jurors on Monday he had driven his brother to the Kent town.

"The last time I saw him was when I dropped him off at the pub," he told his trial.

"I have got nothing to do with my brother - him leaving the country."

Erion Bytyci said he could not be "responsible" for what his brother did.

Mr Bowyer suggested to Erion Bytyci: "You and your brother hatched this plan to get him out of the country as soon as he left magistrates' court."

Erion Bytyci replied: "That is what you think, but I disagree, because it is completely wrong."

He said he had challenged his brother, after receiving a message from him that said "I am on the ferry".

Erion Bytyci said he asked "why did you go?" and added "you must come back".

He told jurors: "[Nardi] said to me, mind your own business."

The trial, which is being overseen by Judge Allison Hunter, continues.