A pizza delivery driver was stalked by two men... and then stabbed six times in a botched robbery attempt, it has been alleged.

The attack, on August 31 last year, left victim Barry Cox with life-threatening injuries, a jury was told.

On trial are Jordan Barringer, 20, from Eldred Road and pal Ryan Knight, 19, from Effingham Crescent, both Dover, who have both denied attempting to murder Mr Cox.

Prosecutor Simon Taylor told the jury at Canterbury Crown Court how Mr Cox left work at 11.30pm to head to Dover Priory Railway Station to meet some friends for a drink.

“Mr Cox stayed with his work colleagues until about 12.35am and then decided to take the short walk through the High Street to visit a friend who lived in Wood Street, Dover.

“It was as he turned into Wood Street that Mr Cox was first attacked by two males - the Crown’s case is that these two males were the two defendants, “ he said.

The prosecutor said Mr Cox later told police that he first became aware of the presence of the two attackers as he walked through Dover High Street.

“He explained that they were about 10 to 15 yards behind him. As he turned into Wood Street he glanced back and saw that the two males appeared to have stopped", he said.

Mr Taylor added that CCTV footage showed two men “clearly following” Mr Cox through the town centre.

“It is sufficient for me to tell you that the Crown rely on this footage in order to prove the allegation that the two defendants were engaged in a pre-meditated and pre-discussed, joint enterprise to attack Mr Cox, “ he alleged.

The prosecutor claimed that Mr Cox was then confronted by Barringer and Knight and told: “Give me your money or I will stab you.

Mr Cox then saw one of the men – alleged to have been Barringer – holding a knife with yellow tape around ther handle.

“Although Mr Cox had been backing away, he wasn’t able to get far enough away and the knifeman was able to repeatedly thrust the knife into his stomach three times

Mr Cox then swung a carrier bag at the knifeman who again demanded money saying if he refused “We” will stab you.

"Although Mr Cox had been backing away, he wasn’t able to get far enough away and the knifeman was able to repeatedly thrust the knife into his stomach three times" - Simon Taylor

“Despite his injuries Mr Cox was able to turn and run away. However, as he did so Barringer struck again with the knife – this time hitting him in the back, “ he alleged.

Mr Cox, bleeding heavily from his wounds, managed to run to the Dolphin Fish Bar in High Street and pleaded for help and the police were alerted.

He was later taken to hospital and treated for “life-threatening” injuries, including chest and abdomen wounds, the jury heard.

Knight has also pleaded not guilty to attempted robbery and possessing an offensive weapon.

Barringer has admitted attempted robbery and possessing the knife but denies attempted murder.

The trial continues.