Murder accused Jason Nelson 'acted in self-defence'

A man who killed a drug dealer says he was attacked first and denied being "out of control".

Jason Nelson, 32, admits killing but denies murdering Jordan Maguire, 20, at his Luton home, claiming he acted in self-defence, on 26 May 2013.

Mr Nelson, before Luton Crown Court, has also pleaded not guilty to rape and sexual assault.

He was asked by prosecutor Dafydd Enoch if a "demon came over" him in the attack and replied: "No, not at all."

Mr Nelson is accused of going on a "spree of extreme violence" on Luton's Marsh Farm estate, that included sexually assaulting a 25-year-old woman, raping a another woman, aged 60, and then murdering Mr Maguire.

He told the jury he had gone to Mr Maguire's home in Thrales Close to buy cannabis with a man he had met on the estate.

When Mr Maguire produced a bag of "weed" from his pocket, he said he thought it was of poor quality as it was scentless and dry.

"I refused the purchase. He started to think I was a police informant. I don't know why he came to that assumption," said the defendant.

He claimed Mr Maguire then tried to rob him. "He pulled a knife. I was frightened," said Mr Nelson.

He alleged that in a struggle that ensued, he stabbed Mr Maguire.

Asked why he stabbed him in the back, he said: "I thought he was going to re-arm himself. I wanted to get out of there. I had no intention of killing him."

Mr Nelson denied sexually assaulting the woman and the grandmother.

"I wouldn't do anything like that. I have a girlfriend," he said.

The trial continues.