THE trial of a teenager accused of stabbing a former Coggeshall schoolboy to death with a Rambo military knife has opened in Chelmsford.

Elijah Clark, of Gloucester Avenue, Chelmsford, is accused of murdering 16-year-old Andy Wood in the city on February 12 last year.

Clark’s trial opened on Thursday after the 18-year-old defendant denied one charge each of murder, manslaughter, possession of a bladed article, and actual bodily harm.

The court heard how Wood, who previously attended Honywood School in Coggeshall, came into contact with Clark because the two were involved in drug dealing in the area.

Gazette: Investigation - Essex Police closed off the scene in Chelmsford as they investigated the incident in February last yearInvestigation - Essex Police closed off the scene in Chelmsford as they investigated the incident in February last year (Image: Press Association)

On Sunday, February 12, Wood – who was known to his customers as ‘Mr Deals’ – had met with two people to sell drugs prior to meeting Clark that evening.

After selling drugs to the two customers, Wood then planned to sell drugs to Clark and had arranged to meet him near a bench in Moulsham, Chelmsford.

Before they met, Wood’s friend – who was accompanying him to the rendezvous – received a text from the defendant asking them to instead meet in some nearby woodland.

A text sent by Clark to Wood’s friend read: “The bench is a bit close to my yard g.

“Can u go into the woods? I’ll meet u there.”

Despite Wood being told by his friend it was "a bad idea", the two continued before encountering Clark, who was wearing a full-face balaclava and wielding a Rambo knife.

Clark is then alleged to have said: “Buzz me your weed.”

Wood’s friend later told police how Clark “was swinging the knife up to us out of nowhere without us even talking to the guy”.

A fight then broke out, with Wood’s friend punching Clark in the face.

Gazette: Tragic - Andy Wood died in the early hours of Monday, February 13Tragic - Andy Wood died in the early hours of Monday, February 13 (Image: Essex Police)

In response, Clark said: “Do you know who I am?”

Wood’s friend is then said to have shouted ‘run’ as the two attempted to flee the scene before Clark stabbed Wood in the neck.

Clark claims he acted in self defence and that the knife he used to protect himself was not his.

As Clark fled the scene, Wood collapsed in Waterson Vale before two dogwalkers spotted him and called 999.

Wood was then taken to Broomfield Hospital where he died in the early hours of Sunday, February 13.

The trial continues.