Double murder accused says he was 'in panic'

Giuseppe Morreale and Maria Ricotta died after suffering stab wounds at their home in the village of Ugley

A man accused of murdering his wife and stepson has claimed he was "struggling" for his life in the moments before they died.

Maria Ricotta, 54, and her 29-year-old son Giuseppe Morreale, were stabbed to death at the family home in Ugley, Essex, on 28 May.

Calogero Ricotta said he had been arguing with Mrs Ricotta - whose maiden name is Nugara- about their barking dogs that evening.

On his first day of giving evidence in his trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, Mr Ricotta claimed that he did not inflict any injuries on his wife.

"Giuseppe then stormed in carrying a knife - he lunged at me," said the 64-year-old.

"I was in a state of panic and I was struggling for what I believe was my life."

Mr Ricotta also denies causing actual bodily harm to a youth who was present in the house, known as Woodlands, which is located near Stansted Airport.

Simon Spence KC claimed the defendant's wife was standing up to him at the time

Mr Ricotta wore a suit in the dock as he was cross-examined by prosecutor Simon Spence KC.

A pathologist's report previously revealed Mrs Ricotta suffered 14 stab wounds and 44 further cuts, including to her neck.

Mr Spence has claimed Mr Ricotta murdered his wife because she wanted to divorce him and Mr Morreale was trying to defend her at the time.

But when questioned by Mr Spence, he said: "No, I never injured Maria at all."

He said he "hid" behind his wife as Mr Morreale lunged at him with the knife and he claimed: "I might have stabbed him, but I can't remember."

'Already armed'

Mr Spence suggested that Mr Ricotta did not want his wife to "humiliate" him by seeking a divorce.

"This wasn't about barking dogs - this was about your wife standing up to you."

Mr Ricotta had allegedly told his wife "dead or alive, you're not leaving this marriage".

Mr Spence said this was a "threat that you intended to carry out".

"I suggest you were already armed in that living room waiting for Maria to come back."

Mr Spence continued: "From the word go, you had decided you were going to blame the whole thing on Giuseppe".

But the defendant replied: "Giuseppe intended on killing me.

"He was trying to stab me but he accidentally stabbed his mum."

The trial continues.