Anthony Junior Murray, 25, has told a jury he did not intend to kill his sister's boyfriend, Joe Burton, 23, on New Year's Eve in Bury, claiming he 'just wanted to get him out of the house'. Murray denies murder, and the trial at Minshull Street Crown Court has heard that the stabbing was captured on a camera meant to monitor his two dogs.
Background of tensions
The court heard there had been previous issues with Mr Burton being 'aggressive'. Over Christmas 2024, Mr Burton was asked to leave the family home after 'swearing in front of the children'. Murray said his father was 'really upset' and that 'Joe wasn't taking no for an answer'.
On December 31, Murray said he had leftover fireworks to celebrate his late mother. His sister Kayleigh came to his flat on Tarn Drive with Mr Burton. Murray said Burton 'clearly never leaves her side' and was 'smoking weed as soon as he came in'. The group drank alcohol including Stella Artois, Budwiser and Jack Daniels, and Murray admitted 'sniffing' white powder from a small bag.
The altercation
Murray said his sister was drunk and 'stumbling everywhere'. He confronted Mr Burton, who said 'she's always like that, she will be fine'. Murray said he was worried for Kayleigh's welfare and asked Burton to leave. A scuffle ensued, with Murray claiming Burton hit him first. Murray said he hit back and told Burton to 'get the f*** out of this house'.
Murray then said he saw Burton with a knife from his 'media wall' that held replica guns and a knife. 'I felt threatened,' he said. After a struggle, Murray said he pushed Burton onto the bed, pried the knife from his hand, and tried to drag him out. He said he did not realise he had stabbed Burton until later.
Defence statement
Asked by his barrister, Bernard Richmond KC, if the stabbing was deliberate, Murray replied: 'I didn't mean to stab him. I didn't even know or realise I had done it. I was trying to push him out the door.' He denied intending to kill or cause serious injury, adding: 'I've had nightmares about it, over and over and over again.'
Murray, of Tarn Drive, Bury, denies murder. The trial continues.
