A TEENAGER accused of murdering a drug rival took a selfie on his way home after stabbing him in the neck, a court has heard.

The prosecution opened the case into Elijah Clark, who denies murder, on Thursday.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard how Clark met Andy Wood and his friend for a drug deal before a fight broke out, which ended with Mr Wood suffering a fatal stab wound.

Christopher Paxton KC, prosecuting, told the court the force with which 18-year-old Clark wielded the knife showed intent to kill.

Braintree and Witham Times: Emergency - paramedics treated Andy Wood on the evening of Sunday, February 12 before he was taken to Broomfield HospitalEmergency - paramedics treated Andy Wood on the evening of Sunday, February 12 before he was taken to Broomfield Hospital (Image: Press Association)

He said: “Andy Wood was killed by a single stab wound to his neck, delivered with force and intent, penetrating him by approximately 7.5cm.

“That single wound, we say, was deliberate.”

Both Clark and Mr Wood were involved in drug dealing in Essex, and the two had arranged to meet on Sunday, February 12 of last year so Mr Wood could sell Clark an ounce of cannabis and five boxes of cigarettes for £200.

Wood had sold drugs to two other people before meeting with Clark that evening.

The prosecution allege Clark had set out to “teach Mr Wood a lesson” for selling on his patch.

Mr Paxton KC said: “Elijah Clark saw these two young men as interlopers who turned up selling on his patch, and they were about to be taught a lesson – a hard lesson.”

After a fight broke out at the meeting point, Mr Wood’s friend punched Clark.

Clark is said to have responded, “do you know who I am?”

Mr Paxton KC said that statement showed the defendant had a fixation with his status as a drug dealer.

Braintree and Witham Times: Investigation - Essex Police were on the scene very shortly after the incidentInvestigation - Essex Police were on the scene very shortly after the incident (Image: Press Association)

He said: “This defendant saw himself as a somebody, as a somebody not to be messed with, as a somebody willing to enforce his status.”

After stabbing 16-year-old Mr Wood – an act Clark says he committed in self-defence – the defendant took a selfie as he made his way back to his address.

Mr Paxton KC continued: “Whilst Clark [fled the scene], he had the presence of mind to take a selfie.

“It may be of note that Clark did not take any other image of any other alleged injury during the incident.”

The trial continues.