A MAN accused of a multiple stabbing in a village street claims he was acting in self-defence.

Gareth John Lamb is charged with unlawfully and maliciously wounding the other man with intent to do him grievous bodily harm.

It stems from a confrontation in Brandon Lane, Brandon, near Durham, on Thursday January 25, in which the victim suffered four stab wounds.

Appearing via video link from nearby Durham Prison, the 35-year-old defendant pleaded not guilty at a short hearing at Durham Crown Court.

Defence counsel Tony Davis told the hearing that his client would be denying the offence on the grounds that he was acting in self-defence.

Mr Davis said: “The defendant is a chef and had a small knife on him at the time.

“He would say that at the moment he came under attack from the complainant, an intuitive reaction by the defendant resulted.”

The case was adjourned for a trial to start at the court on Wednesday July 4, and the 35-year-old defendant, of Hemmel Courts, Brandon, was remanded in custody.