A 42-YEAR-OLD man accused of stabbing an acquaintance to death has told a court he was not the culprit.

Drug addict David Dempsey admitted that the drugs world could be violent but maintained he had “never” used violence.

He is alleged to have caused fatal stab wounds to recently widowed Steven Butterworth, aged 62, at his home in Leigh on August 25, last year.

Dempsey, whose nickname is Clarkie, of Kermishaw Nook, Astley, has pleaded not guilty to murder.

He told Liverpool Crown Court jury he had met Mr Butterworth on three occasions, the last time being about five days before the stabbing.

He said that he has convictions relating to his drug abuse and theft but none for violence, knife crimes or threatening violence.

Dempsey said: “I have been stopped a lot of times by the police but never stopped in possession of a knife or for a knife offence.”

Mr Butterworth was stabbed at his home and died in hospital on September 27.

He told paramedics, who found he had stab wounds to his chest and back, that someone had pushed their way into the house and stabbed him after stealing his wallet.

He told his niece he had been stabbed by the man who had come round earlier and sold him a gold watch.

The case continues.