A TEENAGER accused of murder told a court he “hates” his co-defendant for what he has done.

John Pordage, 34, was killed by a single shot to the chest at a BP garage in Baddow Road, Great Baddow.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard Mr Pordage, who grew up in South Woodham Ferrers, was approached by Bradley Blundell, 18, and a 16-year-old boy, following a verbal confrontation.

It is alleged Blundell, who is still on the run from police, was the one who pulled the trigger.

Saul Stanley, 18, of no fixed address, denies multiple firearms charges and one count of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, denies murder, but has admitted one count of perverting the course of justice.

Both defendants have admitted one count of handling stolen goods.

The 16-year-old took the stand on Monday, where he was questioned by his solicitor, Bernard Richmond QC.

The defendant said: “I hate [Blundell] for what he has done. I do not know how to describe it.

“It is awful and I am so sorry that the family had to go through this. I feel horrible that I was a part of it and I wish that I could take it back.”

The 16-year-old told the court that Blundell had gotten into a verbal altercation with Mr Pordage and the passenger of his van when their car pulled onto the forecourt of the garage.

As they were leaving, the teenager described how Blundell went “absolutely nuts” and demanded to be let out the car.

He exited the car and walked towards the forecourt to confront Mr Pordage and his passenger. The defendant followed him after grabbing a baton from the back of the car, which he carried behind his back.

The 16-year-old told the court that Mr Pordage approached him and Blundell in an aggressive manner.

He said: “I held the baton in front of me to deter him from coming towards us. Brad tried to run away. The white guy [Mr Pordage] grabbed him. It looked like he went for a punch and that turned into a bear hug.

“I ran over and hit him with the baton on the arm to get him off Brad. I heard a bang. I was not expecting it and I dove on the floor.

“I heard another bang that came from Brad. He had a blue bag with smoke coming from it. He was holding it in front of him. I did not know he had a gun on him. It was the last thing I ever thought he would do.”

On Friday, Tracy Ayling, prosecuting, read from a police interview transcript with the 16-year-old where he revealed he was scared of Blundell.

In an interview on August 7 with Detective Constable Morgan Jones, the 16-year-old said: “I was a little afraid of [Blundell]. It seemed like he knew what he was doing so I followed what he said.

“He told me to say no comment for three days and on the third day to tell police what had happened.

“He said that would give him enough time to get away and go.”

The case continues.