A MAN accused of stabbing his victim twice acted in self-defence, a court has heard.

Alex Potter stabbed Lee Jackson in the ribs at an address in St John’s Avenue, Colchester, on Saturday, April 13.

A jury was told on Wednesday Mr Jackson armed himself with a knife and an extendable baton when he heard his window being smashed in by two people.

Mr Snodin, defending for Potter, asked: “Did you pick up not only an extendable baton, but a knife?”

Mr Jackson replied he was only holding a baton when he opened the door to Potter and Stone, and struck Potter with the weapon after being stabbed.

He said: “No, I didn’t pick up a knife.

“How am I going to have two of those in my hand and open the door?

“I’m not an octopus, or whatever it is.”

When asked why he had the baton in his flat, Mr Jackson said he bought it at a car boot sale.

He added he also collected samurai swords but had to hand them over to police because of a recent change in the law.

He said: “I’ve had that baton in my house for a year and a half.

“I collected samurai swords but I don’t have them in my house no more because of the law – I had to get rid of them.”

He continued: “I’ve got a lance in my house – why would I want that?

"Because I like it – I buy things.”

The trial continues.