Teenager who stabbed friend begged him not to die

A TEENAGER who stabbed his best friend claims he "pleaded and begged" him not to die.

James Waterall told Derby Crown Court that after plunging a knife into Terry Bentley's shoulder he took off his shirt to staunch the wound and fell to his knees to comfort his friend.

Waterall, 19, of Seymour Close, Ilkeston, denies wounding with intent to cause serious bodily harm. He admits stabbing Mr Bentley but claims it was in self-defence.

The incident happened on June 10 last year, at a house in Mill Lane, which Waterall and Mr Bentley had gone back to after drinking at The Charter pub in Ilkeston.

Free Legal Expenses Policy with any Motor Insurance Policy with...

Insure365

View details

Print voucher

Free Legal Expenses Policy with any Motor Insurance Policy with Insure365 - call 01782 898188

Terms: 1 Voucher Per Customer

Contact: 01782 898188

Valid until: Sunday, June 23 2013

Waterall told Chudi Grant, defending, that after Mr Bentley had kicked him in the groin as he stood in a doorway, he had told his friend to leave but the pair started scuffling.

The struggle eventually ended up in the kitchen.

Waterall said: "I had my back to the drainer. I felt a considerable amount of pain in my head, like it was split in two. I reached behind me for the nearest object."

The struggle continued and he "lunged at Terry" but did not know initially he had stabbed him with a knife.

He told the court he then left the house crying but returned soon afterwards and found Mr Bentley in a pool of his own blood on the floor.

He said: "I fell on my knees and I was begging him not to die. He was conscious. He took me by the hand and he said 'don't worry bro, it's all right'."

The police arrived and Waterall was arrested.

The trial continues.