A chef has denied deliberately stabbing a cyclist during a confrontation involving his wife and children.
Jason Murray, 26, told a court yesterday John Banks was "on him" before he could step back.
Murray, former head chef at the Grand Ocean Hotel, Saltdean, said he instinctively raised his arms as Mr Banks tried to grab his throat.
He said: "My reaction was to put my arms up and to step back. The knife was still in my hand. I put my arms up to try to push him away. He lunged forward again and was right on top of me."
Murray said he realised Mr Banks was injured when he started screaming that he had been stabbed.
Mr Banks, 51, suffered two stab wounds and a collapsed lung and spent 16 days in hospital.
The court heard the confrontation happened after two teenagers almost knocked Mr Banks off his bike in Southall Avenue, Brighton, on August 29.
Murray, of Southall Avenue, Brighton, denies intentionally causing Mr Banks grievous bodily harm.
The trial continues.
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