Washington man can't recall stabbing nephew to death

Alan Cooper, 32, knifed Jordan Cooper, 14, seven times in the chest in front of Susan Smith, who is the defendant’s mother and the victim’s grandmother.

The three lived together at her home in Fatfield, Washington, Wearside.

Alan Cooper struck after a petty argument about his mobile, Newcastle Crown Court has heard.

The teenager had borrowed his uncle’s phone to contact a girlfriend over the internet, and his uncle teased him he was going to get in touch with her later.

At about 11pm on February 28, Mrs Smith heard the pair arguing about the incident and she defused the row by getting Jordan to watch television with her in her room.

Moments later, in the dark, Alan Cooper came in and lunged at his nephew and the attack continued through the house in front of Mrs Smith.

She rang 999, and as paramedics took him away, Jordan said: “I’m going to die, aren’t I?”

Mrs Smith told the jury her son was a bully from a young age who attacked family members.

She said that one time, aged about 18, Alan Cooper “went mad” and after lunging at her, began to smash up her kitchen.

He also hit his sister’s boyfriend and went to attack his stepfather.

He also assaulted his brother, Mark, who is a year older.

She said he was so difficult to control as a teenager because of drink and drugs, she sent him into care.

She said that without alcohol, he was “a lovely lad”, but was the opposite when drinking.

He admits killing his nephew, but denies murder, on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

He refused to answer questions put to him by detectives after his arrest, but said: “I can remember arguing with Jordan over a mobile phone.

“I remember being downstairs.

“The next thing I remember was asking my mam for towels as Jordan was bleeding.

“I cannot remember anything in between.

“I have mental health problems and do not feel I can answer questions at this time.”

The trial continues.