“Tobias wasn’t violent and he didn’t offer any violence,” said a man stabbed after his friend attempted to steal a Cartier watch, a murder trial has heard.

Ryan Bryne, 24, of Hathaway Green Lane, Stratford-Upon-Avon, and George Stephens, 27, of no fixed abode, are on trial at Oxford Crown Court charged with murdering Tobias Bruce, 32, of Arthray Road.

The pair were charged after Mr Bruce was stabbed five times on February 25 in College Lane, Littlemore after attempting to steal an expensive watch from the men. He later died on February 28 from his injuries.

READ MORE: Murder trial of man stabbed over watch theft delayed

(Image: Family handout)

Both men are also charged with a Section 18 – wounding with intent of Brandon Day, who had met the men alongside Mr Bruce.

During the trial on Thursday (October 3), a prepared statement was read out from Mr Day to the jury. He claimed that he had no knowledge that Mr Bruce had intended to steal the watch.

He said: “I know Tobias had a reputation for stealing from others but I know he’s not a violent person. I had no idea about what was going to happen.

“The males were talking to Tobias about a watch and a chain. I can’t recall how much they were selling it for. They produced the watch and necklace.

“Tobias handled the box and handed me a card and asked me to check the manufacturing date. It was a standard conversation about the deal of the items.

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“It was calm and there were no arguments, we were not armed. Tobias just started running, there was nothing that triggered it.

“It must have been because Tobias stole the watch but it wasn’t a plan I was aware of.”

Mr Day said he then ran as well. The prosecution claim he was chased by Stephens.

He continued: “I felt a singular punch under my right arm. I just concentrated on running.”

It later emerged that Mr Day had been stabbed. He explains that he then got back into his car and picked up their friend, Iain Mulligan – who was also present at the meeting – before finding Mr Bruce.

“There was so much blood,” he said. “I had been stabbed and my mate was dying.”

Emergency services were called and both men were taken to hospital.

READ MORE: Two men accused of killing man who attempted to steal Cartier watch

In Mr Day’s first statement, he told police the men had ‘suddenly run at them’ with no warning. He later admits he lied because he ‘was in shock’.

He concluded: “Tobias was lovable, genuine and kind-hearted. He will be truly missed.”

The trial continues.