Owen Dunn: Murder trial teen 'thought he was going to be attacked'

Owen Dunn was killed on 4 December 2022

A teenager has told a murder trial that he took out a machete and confronted a man cycling towards him because he thought he was going to be attacked.

Tyler Hunt, 18, and a boy, 15, who cannot be named, deny murdering Owen Dunn in Swindon on 4 December 2022.

Mr Hunt told Bristol Crown Court he had only attempted to push Mr Dunn away and heard clothing ripping or tearing.

He said he did not realise Mr Dunn had been injured and only found out later who he was through social media.

Mr Hunt told the court that he had been out selling cannabis in Swindon as he owed some money to a friend.

He admitted having a machete on him as he had been attacked in the past but said it was to scare people and he had had no intention of using it.

Owen Dunn collapsed and died shortly after being injured

The court has previously been told that Mr Dunn, 18, died from a stab wound high to the left side of his chest.

When asked about the incident that led to Mr Dunn's death, Mr Hunt said he saw a male approaching "cycling very fast" and he felt paranoia.

Mr Hunt said he was unaware of the cyclist's identity at the time as he had a balaclava covering his face and he could see on his right leg the outline of some kind of weapon.

He told the court he started panicking as he thought he was going to be attacked so pulled out the machete to scare the man off.

Mr Hunt said he had the knife pointing down at his side and lifted his arm to push the cyclist away.

He said the 15-year-old boy was behind him and when he turned he saw him putting his own knife back into its holder.

Mr Hunt told the court he knew of Mr Dunn and did not have a problem with him.

He added he felt "traumatised" when he found out he had died.

Mr Hunt and the 15-year-old boy both say they acted in self-defence.

The trial continues.