THE trial of a man accused of attempted murder is nearing an end.

Justin Faircloth denies stabbing a man in the back at a block of flats in Colchester in the early hours of January 1 this year.

Faircloth, of Smallwood Road, Colchester, blames his estranged wife Cara Gargano for the stabbing of Adam Richer.

Closing speeches in the trial at Chelmsford Crown Court began on Friday and judge Charles Gratwicke is due to begin summing up the case to the jury tomorrow.

The prosecution said Faircloth arrived at Miss Gargano’s flat demanding to see her children.

When he saw Mr Richer’s shoes, he allegedly stabbed him twice in the back and once on the arm.

Mr Richer told the jury he recognised 29-year-old Faircloth as his attacker. But Faircloth told the court Miss Gargano was responsible.

He said Mr Richer had gone back to Miss Gargano’s flat in Craig Court, in Iceni Way, where they had an argument.

She had been unable to wake Mr Richer so she had gone to Faircloth’s mother’s home in Smallwood Road.

Faircloth told the jury he returned to her flat, where Miss Gargano jumped on top of Mr Richer and began punching him.

He said he saw a knife as she lifted her hand and he grabbed it, slapped Miss Gargano and took the knife to the kitchen as Mr Richer fled from the flat.

Faircloth denies attempting to murder Mr Richer and another charge of causing him grievous bodily harm with intent.

The trial continues.