A girl sobbed as she told police how happy her friend had been at a party moments before he was allegedly murdered in a brutal attack, a jury heard.

The 16-year-old girl claimed 15-year-old Ricky Butler was having a great time at the Halloween party held at his brother’s flat in Horsham.

The jury at Lewes Crown Court has heard Ricky was attacked with a martial arts weapon while sitting on steps outside the flat in Gorringes Brook in the early hours of November 3 last year.

Ricky, of Leith View Road, Roffey, Horsham, suffered a fractured skull and died later that day in hospital in London.

He was allegedly battered with nunchucks by Richard Martin, 19, of Heath Way, Horsham.

Martin admits killing Ricky but denies murder.

The jury must decide whether Martin is guilty of murder or manslaughter.

The court heard Ricky was among the guests at the fancy dress party when Martin and a friend gate-crashed.

Martin was asked to leave after annoying other revellers and as he passed Ricky on the steps words were exchanged.

Minutes later Martin is alleged to have returned armed with the weapon and started hitting Ricky.

A friend of Ricky’s tried to shield him from the blows but was also injured.

Guests have told the jury Ricky returned to the flat immediately after the attack and went into the bathroom.

When he came out he collapsed and lost consciousness.

The jury was shown a recording of a police interview with a girl, who went to the party with Ricky.

She said when Ricky and his friend returned to the flat and she heard about the attack she called the police.

She was trying to help Ricky’s friend, who was bleeding heavily from a head wound, she said.

Friends were aware Ricky had gone into the bathroom but after a while people were becoming concerned about him. One of the friends managed to unlock the door using the end of his jacket zip.

Ricky was taken to his brother’s bedroom, where she saw him lying on the floor.

When asked how Ricky had been that night before the attack, the girl broke down sobbing.

She said: “Ricky had been so funny. He had been really nice and happy all night because he was so excited by the party.

“He was always making everyone laugh. Everyone loved Ricky.

“He was just one of those people who you just can’t help wanting to be around.”

She said she had never known him to start a fight or any trouble.

The trial continues.