A BURNLEY man accused of stabbing another man to death in his own flat told a jury he could not remember what had happened.

Paul Howarth, a heavy drinker, said he remembered going to a local shop about 9am that day and his next recollection was being in a police cell.

He is co-accused with Gary Burley with murdering 60-year-old Keith Passmore and during his evidence he implied that Burley was responsible for the death because he was the only other person present.

Liverpool Crown Court has heard during the nine day trial that Mr Passmore was allegedly stabbed to death because he had swapped a tablet device for cans of beer instead of selling it.

He was allegedly severely beaten and repeatedly stabbed with a knife and large pair of scissors by the men who, like the victim, had a long history of alcohol abuse.

Howarth, 48, of Clifton Road, Burnley and Burley, 45, of Herbert Road, Burnley, have both pleaded not guilty to murder.

Burley is also charged with threatening to kill Howarth’s ex-partner Kathleen Green and possessing an offensive weapon, a multi-tool with a hammer attachment.

The court heard that at about 4.30 pm on Saturday, January 10 this year the defendants went to visit Kathleen Green at her sheltered accommodation in Harcourt Street, Burnley.

Howarth indicated that Mr Passmore had been killed and, while she did not initially believe them, she was eventually persuaded to go to Howarth’s flat. In the bathroom she saw the body of Mr Passmore, who lived in the flat above.

After she managed to leave she was allegedly threatened with being killed by Burley, the prosecution alleged.

Police found the flat was heavily bloodstained and it appeared that the victim, who was only five foot four and a half inches tall, had been attacked in the bedroom, subjected to further violence in the hallway/kitchen area before being moved to the bathroom.

He had suffered more than 30 stab wounds,, said Mr Cole.

Burley’s QC, Anthony Cross, questioned Howarth about his evidence and re-played part of his 999 call following the murder. Howarth was heard saying: “I just walked into the house and there is a guy dead in the front room.”

The operator was heard repeatedly asking whether he wanted the police or ambulance and Howarth told them: “stop talking like a f…ing d…”

Howarth denied that was the ‘real him’ speaking.

The case continues