A man accused of assaulting a Workington Town rugby league player has told a court he struck out in fear that he would be attacked.

Callum Phillips, who has represented Scotland, was knocked unconscious by a single punch in an incident in the centre of Workington during the early hours of March 20.

Carlisle Crown Court has heard Mr Phillips remembered being outside a town centre takeaway. His next memory was waking up in hospital, receiving stitches to facial injuries.

Conor Paul Irving, 22, is on trial having pleaded not guilty to assaulting Mr Phillips, causing him actual bodily harm.

Giving evidence today Irving, of Brierydale, Salterbeck, Workington, said he spoke to Mr Phillips and attempted to resolve a previous problem.

"He starts coming towards me. I just punched him," Irving told the jury. "I thought he was going to hit me.

"It was just a spur of the moment thing when I was scared," added Irving, who denied intentionally assaulting Mr Phillips.

The trial continues.