A KILLER who stabbed a man to death after a row at a house in Bolton did receive a fair trial, senior judges have ruled.

Ross James Ashcroft fatally wounded 23-year-old Carlton Alexander, knifing him in the chest and abdomen.

The 33-year-old, of Leonard Street, Bolton, claimed he attacked Mr Alexander in self-defence, but was found guilty of murder by a jury.

He was jailed for life and ordered to serve at least 20 years behind bars at Manchester Crown Court in June last year.

Ashcroft today challenged his conviction at the Court of Appeal, in London, with his lawyers arguing his trial was unfair.

They said jurors should not have been told about some of his previous offences involving weapons.

But his complaints were rejected by senior judges, who said his earlier crimes were "relevant" and his conviction "safe".

The court heard Ashcroft was drinking at the home of Mr Alexander's girlfriend in December 2013 when a row broke out and they were ordered outside.

As Ashcroft left, he picked up a kitchen knife and then chased Mr Alexander, before stabbing him twice.

The attack, in Brightmeadow Close, in the Breightmet area of Bolton, was captured on CCTV.

Lord Justice Treacy told the court Ashcroft had previous convictions for offences involving the use of weapons.

These included stabbing a man with a broken bottle, threatening his girlfriend with a screwdriver and holding up a shop with a knife.

His lawyers argued that telling jurors about these incidents created "overwhelming prejudice" to Ashcroft's defence.

But, dismissing his appeal, Lord Justice Treacy said the trial judge was right to conclude his previous crimes were "relevant".

Sitting with Ms Justice Russell and Judge Deborah Taylor QC, he added: "We have come to the conclusion the judge's analysis and careful reasoning cannot be impugned.

"The evidence was properly admitted and the fact the Crown might have proceeded without the admission of such evidence is nothing to the point."