A MAN who took a selfie after stabbing a 16-year-old has told a court he did not have time to call 999 before he was arrested.

Elijah Clark made the remark on Monday when he was cross-examined by the prosecution at Chelmsford Crown Court, where he is standing trial accused of murder.

Andy Wood was stabbed on February 12 last year after he met with Clark to sell him cannabis.

Clark, of Gloucester Avenue, Chelmsford, told the jury he did not go to the deal armed with a knife, and that it was Mr Wood and his friend who had the weapons.

Gazette: Trial - Elijah Clark is standing trial before a jury in Chelmsford charged with murder, manslaughter, possession of a bladed article, and actual bodily harmTrial - Elijah Clark is standing trial before a jury in Chelmsford charged with murder, manslaughter, possession of a bladed article, and actual bodily harm (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

It was only after Clark disarmed Mr Wood and his friend that the defendant stabbed Mr Wood - an act which was taken in self-defence, Clark said.

But Christopher Paxon KC, prosecuting, focussed his questioning on why Clark, 18, did not call the police in the aftermath of the incident if he had been the one who was attacked.

He said: “You’ve got the phone in your hand, you’re taking a selfie... it’s quicker to call 999, isn’t it?”

Mr Clark replied: “When this picture was taken, my priority was just to assess what injuries I had – that was what was most important to me at the time, that I was out safe."

Mr Paxton KC said: “You didn’t have time to call 999 but you had time to take a selfie?”

Clark replied: “It looks like that yeah.”

The court then heard how Clark had returned home for 15 minutes before he received a message from his brother which read: “Askar heading towards the block.”

The police arrived five minutes later.

Mr Paxton KC said: “Why didn’t you call the police if you were the victim?”

Gazette: Dealing - Andy Wood was known as 'Mr Deals' on the Telegram messaging appDealing - Andy Wood was known as 'Mr Deals' on the Telegram messaging app (Image: Essex Police)

Clark replied: “I didn’t have an opportunity to; once I was home, it was 20 minutes before I got arrested.”

Mr Paxton KC said: “How long do you think it takes to call the police by calling 999? About 20 seconds?”

Clark replied: “Yeah.”

Clark also told the court how he disposed of a knife by placing it down a drain as he made his way back to his address, but said he couldn’t remember which road he disposed of the weapon.

The trial continues.