George Ness claims he feared for his life and struck John Smyth with wood in self defense, denying murder charges.
Ness is 41, from North Shields. He says he used a lot of drugs. This was last September, he told the court. His friend had bank issues. He needed money for drugs.
Ness says they argued about the money. He thought Bridie was ripping his friend off. Ness admits he broke a window. He claims he didn’t try to enter.
He says Bridie had a hammer. He is unsure if she hit him with it. Ness says he walked away. Then, Smyth appeared outside.
Smyth threatened to stab him, Ness said. Ness saw something shiny in Smyth’s hand. Ness found a piece of wood. He says Smyth swung at him first.
He hit Smyth to make him stop, he claims. He says he acted in self-defense. Ness recalls seeing a lot of blood. He panicked after seeing this.
He denies kicking or stamping on Smyth. He took Smyth’s phone but threw it away. He only used the piece of wood, he said. He felt scared and acted in self-defense.
Ness’s lawyer asked why he used the wood. He said he wanted Smyth to stop. The court heard about Ness’s past. He threatened someone with a weapon in 2015.
He also has burglary convictions. He’s been convicted for possessing a blade. Ness denies all charges against him. His trial continues right now.