Accused denies he fatally knifed man in the neck

A MAN accused of murder told a jury that he's 'getting blame' and didn't slash Jordan Hogg.

- By ESTHER HALLIGAN

Part of Fonteyn Court in Hemlington was sealed off as police investigated the incident

Sidney Bashford, 29, is one of six people accused of murdering Mr Hogg in Hemlington.

He took to the witness box to give evidence and told the Newcastle Crown Court jury: "I'm the one who's getting the blame for this. I didn't do it". Wearing a suit and tie, Bashford answered questions from prosecution barrister Peter Glenser.

Mr Glenser asked him: "I suggest you thrust the knife so deeply into his neck, it only stopped when it hit his vertebrae. Did you feel his spine?" Bashford replied: "It wasn't me. I didn't do that".

Mr Hogg, 28, a rigger, collapsed and died outside his neighbour's home, after knocking on the door to ask for help on February 28.

He had been slashed across his neck, and the wound extended to the top of his spine. The jury have previously heard that Mr Hogg's flat, on Fonteyn Court, had blood on the carpet, on the sofa and on the walls.