Man was 'murdered over prostitution'

The court heard Alan Bennett died died after an incident with Julie Carroll

A murder accused admitted stabbing a man because he did not want his girlfriend working as a prostitute, a trial has heard.

Paul Balgowan, 24, is alleged to have stabbed Alan Bennett, 56, to death in Aberdeen last year.

It is alleged Mr Bennett was lured with the promise of sex with Mr Balgowan's partner Julie Carroll.

Mr Balgowan denies murder, attempting to pervert the course of justice and conspiracy to rob other men.

The jury at the High Court in Aberdeen was shown Mr Balgowan's interview with police about last May's incident.

He said: "I just flipped and he started fighting back with me. I didn't mean to murder him."

The court heard Ms Carroll, also 24, worked as a prostitute in the city's red light district.

Mr Balgowan told police he had followed Ms Carroll as she walked down Union Street from the harbour and on to Dee Street, where he ended up fighting with Mr Bennett.

'Knifed him'

He explained in the interview: "I seen Julie and she was speaking to him. She disappeared and kept walking down the road.

"I shouted at him and he shouted back. I was saying to him that that's my wife what was he doing with her.

"I just flipped and he started fighting back with me."

Mr Balgowan said he had just intended to rob Mr Bennett, and added: "I was showing him the knife telling him to give me his wallet and he started fighting with me.

"I thought I was just punching him back and I shoved him off and knifed him.

"I wasn't intending to kill him. I was going to rob him so she wouldn't have to sell her body because it hurts me so much.

"I'm not a stone cold killer."

The trial continues.