Taking the stand for the first time, scaffolder Gerard Eamon Maguire (49) told the Royal Court jury that his friend of seven years threw a glass at him, which smashed on a wall behind his head, after an argument over a song in the early hours of Sunday 30 October.
The defendant claims 63-year-old Shaun Patrick Howard suffered a life-threatening wound to his neck after accidentally stabbing himself with the approximately seven-inch blade as they battled for control of the weapon.
Giving evidence in court yesterday, Mr Maguire, who is originally from Birmingham, said he picked up the knife – which Mr Howard was letting him take home to cut chicken – as he packed his bag after he had been asked to leave.
The pair had been drinking together all day in Mr Howard’s flat in Journeaux Court, St Helier. The defendant described himself as ‘well oiled’ but said that the victim had drunk as much, if not more, than him.
Mr Maguire denies attempted murder, grave and criminal assault and perverting the course of justice. The trial continues.
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