AN EVESHAM man, armed with a lumphammer smashed his way through a house in Pershore Road, terrifying the occupants, a court heard.

Antony Hediger of Shepherd's Pool claimed evidence against him was invented at Worcester Crown Court yesterday.

Pub waitress Joanna Stephens told the jury the defendant smashed his way into her boyfriend's house in Pershore Road, Evesham, in the early hours and made threats.

But Hediger, who is defending himself, accused her of being "motivated by spite" because she wanted to keep him away from her allegedly rich boyfriend Wayne Langston.

He claimed he had been asked to take Mr Langston - whom he described as a potential England angler - under his wing and keep him away from drink and drugs.

Hediger, aged 42, of Shepherd's Pool, Evesham, denies affray on New Year's Eve 2003.

Prosecutor William Rickarby alleged that glass fragments from the broken window were found in Hediger's hair and on his jacket by police.

Miss Stephens, her boyfriend, her brother Ryan and sister Kelly had all retired to bed when they heard the sound of smashing glass.

When they rushed into the living room, her sister - who was sleeping on the floor - was screaming and Hediger was just getting in through the broken window, she told the jury.

"He was shouting and waving a lumphammer about in a threatening way," Miss Stephens said. Her boyfriend and brother grabbed Hediger and pushed him against the mantelpiece.

Miss Stephens said she had no idea why the defendant had broken in.

Earlier that evening she had served him a lager at the Vauxhall Inn in Evesham where she worked.

In cross-examination, Hediger explained that he had fallen on the floor during the struggle where there were glass fragments in the carpet.

Referring to the alleged incident at the house, he said: "It never happened." If he had been manhandled, it would have left bruises but police found no marks.

Hediger said he had never owned a lumphammer or gardening gloves, which witnesses claimed he was wearing during the break-in.

Mr Langston also confirmed in his evidence that the intruder was Hediger.

"We pushed him to one side. He was threatening to beat us all up. I was scared. I don't know why he did it," he said. The trial continues.