A MURDER suspect told a jury he and his accomplice took two knives and an imitation handgun to a flat to frighten the occupants - not to kill anyone.

Jack Hummerstone, 18, said he and Andre Vella, 19 were going to carry out two robberies on March 9 this year.

When they arrived at a third floor flat at Charles House in Parkside Quarter, Colchester they got involved in a struggle and Thomas Brittain, 26, was stabbed to death.

Hummerstone, formerly of Clerkenwell, London but now of no fixed address, and Vella, formerly of Village Way, Kirby Cross, but now of no fixed address, both deny murder and a charge of grievous bodily harm with intent against the flat owner.

Both admit possession of an immitation gun.

  • The trial continues.