Murder victim 'wanted to kill' rival who stabbed him to death, jury hears

Police in Chester-le-Street after the death of Alan Stokoe, 26.

Mohamed Rahman, 43, is accused of murdering Alan Stokoe, 26, during a knife fight outside of the home of Laura McGee, who they had both had relationships with.

Mr Stokoe died from a wound that went through his neck and severed his carotid artery and jugular vein.

Prosecutors claim after the murder, Rahman concocted a "pack of lies" to try and get himself out of trouble and put the blame on Mr Stokoe.

Rahman, of Eamont Gardens, Hartlepool, denies murder and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and is being tried by a jury at Newcastle Crown Court.

Jurors have heard there was a history of trouble between the two men and Miss McGee in the weeks leading up to the tragedy.

Detective Constable Jacqueline Laws told jurors Mr Stokoe had been arrested last May over alleged racially aggravated offending against Rahman.

She told police Mr Stokoe had confessed during police interview he had wanted to kill Mr Rahman.

Jurors were told Mr Stokoe had told police: "I would be done for murder by now if I didn't go away for the week, that's a fact.

"I would've killed him. I would've killed Mo, I would have killed him, I would have.

"I was away for the week, I did the right thing for once, I took myself out of the situation."

DC Laws said she did not believe any threat against Rahman's life was "imminent"

The court heard Mr Stokoe had also told police: "I've got nowt against the bloke, I just don't want Laura ******* ringing me up saying he's going to shootme. I don't take kindly to that, sorry."

Probation officer Rebecca Fennell told the court Mr Stokoe had showed her a Whatsapp message with Laura McGee on July 10 and said: "Alan had asked Laura to stop making contact with him."

The following day Mr Stokoe told the probation officer "Miss McGee was outside his mother's address, making threats".

The court heard the fatal clash between the two men happened at Melville Street, Chester le Street, in the early hours of July 21 last year.

The trial continues.