Landlord stabbed in 'frenzied' attack

Tony Scrivens was stabbed 40 times

An insurance worker has denied stabbing his landlord 40 times following a late night argument at the Exeter flat they shared.

Tony Scrivens,61, died from knife wounds to his chest, ribs, shoulder blade and spine after the attack at the two-bedroom flat he owned in Carders Court, Exeter on 6 September.

Exeter Crown Court heard how Steven Hamblin, 29, had shared the flat with Mr Scrivens for nine months. His landlord suffered from respiratory problems and Hamblin helped him with errands.

But Geoffrey Mercer QC, prosecuting, told the court that relations had become strained in the weeks leading up to the attack.

'Rumbling argument'

On the day of the murder, Hamblin, who denies murder, withdrew £950 benefits on behalf of Mr Scrivens and his elderly mother.

He bought a PlayStation 2 for Mr Scrivens, gave around £250 to his girlfriend and spent the rest, the court heard.

Mr Mercer said: "The prosecution says the rumbling argument between them erupted and the defendant, in drink, stabbed and killed Mr Scrivens in a frenzied attack."

The court heard that Hamblin spent the night at a friend's house before returning to the flat and calling the emergency services.

The case continues