A MURDER suspect claimed he stabbed a teenager in self defence and because he was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Joe Paffey, 21, of Old Southend Road, Southend, is on trial for the murder and attempted robbery of Fabian Kacica, alongside 21-year-old Aidon Pearce, of Treecot Drive, Leigh.

Both men deny the charges.

There is no dispute that Paffey was the man who stabbed Fabian through the heart and caused his death but Paffey claims he was acting in self-defence.

Richard Christie QC, defending, told the jury Paffey carried a knife on him because he was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after an incident two years prior.

In June 2016, Paffey was attacked by two men in a corner shop.

Describing the incident, Mr Christie said: “They pulled up in a car and followed him into the shop and hurled acid at his face which was only prevented by managing to raise his arm at the last moment.”

He said the attack required skin grafts and had left Paffey suffering from PTSD which meant he felt he had to arm himself even two years later.

Mr Chrisie added: “He did carry a knife with him for his own protection.

“He felt both himself and Aidon Pearce were at risk of being attacked.

“He felt under threat and acted accordingly.

“When Mr Mirga came at him with the wheel brace, he whipped out the knife and with one movement it went into Mr Kacica.

“He had it to scare him but stabbed him instead.

“If you reject self-defence, we ask you to consider the partial defence for murder which I call lack of self control and reduces it to manslaughter.”

The trial, expected to last four weeks, continues.