A cyclist smashed into the back of a van after being allegedly "punched" by a pedestrian, a court has heard.

Parts of Damien Tinkler's face were left "hanging off" after he careered through the vehicle's window on a Workington street.

It is alleged Mr Tinkler was punched immediately before the collision by 21-year-old Raymond Kyle Smith.

Smith, however, flatly refutes that allegation.

He has gone on trial at Carlisle Crown Court having denied an unlawful wounding allegation. Prosecutor Clare Thomas, opening the case, said Mr Tinkler was riding a bike on Finkle Street at around 9-30pm on January 19.

As he did so, he saw Smith - known as Kyle - and his girlfriend, who allegedly made a derogatory comment.

Mr Tinkler turned into an alleyway, "picking up speed, trying to get away". "He then saw this defendant (Smith) run out of a tunnel.

As Mr Tinkler tried to get past him, the defendant punched him," alleged Miss Thomas.

"Mr Tinkler lost control of his bike and rode into the back of a van. His face went through the back window of that van."

As Mr Tinkler fled, it was alleged Smith and another male chased him briefly.

Giving evidence about his injuries, 20-year-old Mr Tinkler told jurors: "I sustained 25 stitches to the right hand side of my face, I was in surgery for two-and-a-half hours and had seven bits of glass taken out of my face.

"My face had opened up about an inch-and-a-half, and bits of my face was (sic) hanging off."

However, Smith, of Cross Street, Workington, denied the punch allegation. He decided to give Mr Tinkler a "shock" which was "meant as a joke".

"That caused him to swerve and hit the van," Miss Thomas said of his account.

"He was adamant that at no time had he punched Mr Tinkler."

The trial continues.