A man accused of attempting to murder a woman said she sustained the injuries during a “scuffle” between the two.
Pawel Skros, 40, of Warwick Street, Church, is accused of attempted murder and sexual assault of the victim, who cannot be named.
Skros started giving his evidence on day four of the trial at Preston Crown Court today (September 11) and told jurors he had no intention to kill or seriously injure the woman during the alleged incident on March 15.
Jeremy Benson, representing Skros, asked about an incident in the kitchen of a house where the alleged incident occurred.
Skros said he picked up a knife because he could see the woman looking at it and he did not want her to grab it.
He said he held it against his leg, but there was a “scuffle” as she tried to get the knife from him.
Skros said she made repeated attempts to grab the knife and was grabbing it by the blade, which caused an injury to her hand.
Prosecutor William Beardmore told the court when the case was opened earlier this week that the woman suffered five stab wounds at the hands of Skros.
One of these penetrated her chest cavity and narrowly missed her heart, Mr Beardmore said.
The jury was told that after the attack, the woman repeatedly begged for medical assistance and told Skros she believed she was dying.
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Skros, who the prosecution say is an alcoholic and was drunk at the time of the alleged offending, refused to seek help and instead subjected her to further distress while she lay injured, threatening to kill her and then himself, Mr Beardmore said.
It was further alleged that as she lay on the floor, Skros "French-kissed" the woman and rubbed her "intimate areas," something they say she said yes to but could not reasonably be considered consent under the circumstances.
Jurors heard the woman was eventually able to leave the property when Skros was distracted by a knock at the front door.
She was later taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital to be treated for her injuries, Mr Beardmore said.
Skros denied attempting to kill or seriously injure the woman, and denied sexually assaulting her.
The trial continues.
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