A “Mr Big” stabbed a defenceless sixth former to death in front of his older brother, a court was told.

Levi Woudstra, 19, watched as 42-year-old Adam Skilton stabbed his 17-year-old brother Jake as he lay weakened in a pub beer garden, Hove Crown Court was told yesterday.

Richard Barton, prosecuting, said Skilton bore a grudge against Levi over a “perceived drugs debt”. Skilton allegedly threatened to “cut up” Levi and reportedly told their father Steve: “He’s dealing with men now, not boys.”

Mr Barton said these occasions proved Skilton was acting like a “Mr Big” and showing “bravado”.

On the day of Jake’s death Levi walked into The Shah pub, in Mount Pleasant Road, Hastings, yards from his home at about 3pm.

Mr Barton said “immediately” Skilton jumped up and “tried to head butt” him. He said he pulled a knife from his pocket.

He said: “Skilton was undoubtedly in a volatile way. Levi ran. He ran through the pub into the enclosed beer garden at the back.”

Mr Barton said Levi managed to get over a wall and went home. It is alleged the brothers picked up a weights bar and broken golf club.

He said the two brothers ran up to the pub and went up to the front door. Jake dropped the club handle.

“Adam Skilton moved towards Jake. He moved the knife towards Jake’s chest. It passed between two ribs and into his heart.

“It was a fatal wound. When Jake moved into the garden he had no weapon. He was defenceless.

“Levi managed to escape. Jake was not able to climb the wall. He was trapped in the garden.

“As Levi looked on Adam Skilton stabbed into the body of Jake. It lacerated his liver and penetrated his stomach. Levi hit Adam with the rod and dragged Jake over the wall.”

Mr Barton said Jake collapsed on the kitchen floor and died there.

Skilton, of Wilton Road, Bexhill, denies murder and perverting the course of justice – it is alleged he told the pub landlady not to tell the police his name – and is in custody.

The trial continues.