A former court jailer accused of murder has denied he planned to kill his wife's ex-husband.

Bill Davey, 41 and a father-of-six, died after being stabbed six times and having his throat cut outside his home in Nuthurst Place, Whitehawk, Brighton, on the night of February 15.

Brian Rudwick, 34, of Tarner Road, Brighton, who worked as a jailer at the city's magistrates court, has denied a charge of murder and is standing trial at Lewes Crown Court.

Rudwick told the jury: "I accept I killed him. I honestly did not intend to kill him. I am sorry for what has happened."

The court heard there had been ill-feeling between the two men and Rudwick had been carrying a combat knife with him every time he left the house since November last year.

On the night of the fatal stabbing, Rudwick, who said he had been suffering from mental health problems for some years, went for a walk and found himself near the home of Mr Davey, who was out walking his dog.

Rudwick said Mr Davey attacked him first and he hit back in self-defence. He said they had a fight and he remembers their heads banging together but he had no memory of getting out the knife. He said it was not until he was walking home that he realised he was covered in blood.

During cross-examination Rudwick, who had also served in the Army, denied planning the murder and laying in wait for Mr Davey.

The trial continues.