THE man accused of murdering Westhoughton dad Michael Blake claims he washed away any evidence in an attempt to ‘bury his head in the sand’.

Nathan Daniels, who is accused of shooting his victim, told Manchester Crown Court that 28-year-old Mr Blake had shot himself in the back of the head.

Andrew Thomas QC, prosecuting, asked Daniels why he threw away the gun, cleaned blood from the back of his van where Mr Blake was shot and destroyed his mobile phone.

Mr Thomas asked Daniels: “Was any of it your idea to cover up the evidence?”

Daniels said: “Yes it was when I found out Michael died and I’m very sorry for that.

“I wanted to distance myself as much as I could, I’m facing 35 years for something I’ve not done.”

Mr Blake died from the head wound within hours after Daniels drove him back to his Manchester Road home and left him lying outside on the night of November 3.

Daniels, aged 28, of Nottingham Avenue, Stockport, is representing himself at the trial and denies murder and possessing a firearm.

Mr Thomas repeatedly asked Daniels why his fingerprints were found on the bullet casing.

Daniels said: “I can’t explain that but there must be an explanation. I’m not a killer.”

The trial continues.