Stabbing accused blames alcohol

Jessica was stabbed several times

A man accused of stabbing a 14-year-old girl 20 times after consuming half a bottle of whisky said "you can do silly things" after drinking, a court heard.

Jessica Knight was repeatedly stabbed in a park in Astley Village, in Chorley, Lancashire, on 21 January.

Kristofer Beddar, 21, of Adlington, denies attempted murder.

The Frenchman allegedly made the comment about drinking too much to a prison guard after his arrest, Preston Crown Court heard.

Mr Beddar, of Daisy Hill Drive, spoke in French to give evidence as his words were translated to the jury through an interpreter.

He has already admitted carrying out the attack on the schoolgirl but claimed he had no recollection of it due to the amount of alcohol he had consumed.

'Psychological problems'

When asked by the prosecution if he was blaming alcohol for what he did to Jessica, Mr Beddar replied: "Yes, you can say that."

He admitted a charge of wounding with intent but claimed he did not intend to kill Jessica and could not recall what had happened.

The teenager, now 15, was walking through the park listening to an MP3 player when she was stabbed in the neck, stomach, chest and back.

The court heard Jessica had been left with "long-term physical and psychological problems".

The defendant, a former Tesco worker who was in the French army for two years before coming to England, said he carried a knife "for defence".

The day after the attack he became "worried" after finding blood on his clothes and shoes, so disposed of them, the court heard.

Earlier the jury was told Mr Beddar's mother had handed her son in at a local police station after he had confessed he thought he had committed the attack.

The trial continues.