'No reason' for family killings

All four died from multiple stab and slash wounds

A man who denies murdering four family members could not explain why he did not spare his children, jurors heard.

Neil Crampton stabbed ex-partner Funke Sobo, 36, daughter Abigail, 12, five-year-old son Steven, and Ms Sobo's brother Yemi, 41, in Newcastle in 2006.

Mr Crampton, who admits manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility, told police he stabbed the adults after a row, the city's crown court was told.

But he could not say why he then went on to kill his children.

Jurors were told that Mr Crampton had no explanation as to why he did not just walk out after killing his ex-partner - known as Liz - and her brother.

The four were found with multiple stab and slash wounds at their home in Kenton on 14 November 2006.

Mr Crampton denies four counts of murder

Mr Crampton, a 36-year-old former taxi driver, of Huntley Crescent, Gateshead, told police that he thought he had killed Abigail before her brother, and agreed she had been no threat to him.

"He couldn't say why he simply didn't walk out after killing Liz and Yemi," Robert Adams, prosecuting, said.

Reading out further extracts from police interviews, Mr Adams said: "He didn't think the children saw what had happened.

"He thought Steven was the last to die."

Jurors have heard how Mr Crampton was arrested at the home he shared with his parents after he rang the police saying: "I've murdered my entire family."

The trial continues.