A fireman accused of murder punched a partygoer after he was grabbed around the throat, a jury was told this morning.

Jason Halling, 29, went onto the balcony of Sapey Golf Club for a smoke during his sister's wedding party.

He told police that Kevin Smith, also on the balcony, was in an angry mood, swore at him and gripped his throat.

Halling, of Firs Orchard, Bromyard, said he fought back with two punches because he thought he might be strangled.

Mr Smith, 47, suffered a brain injury and died in hospital two days later.

"He looked very angry and was swearing at me," said Halling.

"Then he walked up to me and grabbed me round the neck. I felt a lot of shock and fear.

"The instant thing is to defend youself.

"I probably hit him twice. He just fell onto the balcony. I feel sick thinking about it, shocked, disgusted, terrible.

"I couldn't believe what happened.

"I felt trapped. I probably hit him as hard as I could. I had no option."

The trial continues.