A man went on a series of random attacks in Altrincham town centre, stabbing a stranger four times in an alleged attempted murder, a court has heard.
Nathan Peters, of Lock Lane, Partington, denies attempting to murder Max Morrison in the early hours of November 30 last year. He has admitted assaulting three other people, including slashing the face of Mr Morrison's friend Harrison Brannan.
Peters also punched Marvin-Jay Speakman and pushed his partner Melissa Mellor to the floor in the town centre, jurors were told.
Unprovoked attacks on strangers
Prosecuting at Minshull Street Crown Court, Jonathan Dickinson said: "The defendant, apparently himself on a night out, carried out a series of unprovoked attacks on people who had no connection with him and just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time."
Jurors were told there is a 'narrow issue' in the case, to decide whether Peters intended to kill Mr Morrison. Mr Dickinson added: "There are no real factual disputes between the prosecution and the defence."
The incident began after Peters left Tiki bar, when he punched Mr Speakman and pushed Ms Mellor, causing her to fall. He has admitted assaulting the pair, occasioning actual bodily harm.
Stabbing and cardiac arrest
Shortly after, Peters came into contact with Mr Morrison, Mr Brannan and a friend. Mr Brannan told police, in a video interview played to jurors, that he saw Peters and Mr Morrison fighting after looking up from his phone.
Peters stabbed Mr Morrison 'several times' and slashed the face of Mr Brannan, who was intervening to stop the attack, jurors were told. Mr Morrison collapsed nearby and went into cardiac arrest. Peters was detained by police a short time later.
Mr Dickinson said: "The defendant was carrying a knife before attacking Mr Morrison. He had covered his face with a balaclava. There can be no doubt that he was intent on serious violence. There are four stab wounds to Mr Morrison."
Peters has pleaded guilty to wounding with intent in relation to Mr Morrison and Mr Brannan, but denies attempting to murder Mr Morrison. The trial continues.
