Murder Trial: 'I didn't murder Neil' says defendant

“I didn’t murder Neil Roberts” – that’s what a Castletown man told a jury today after being accused of changing from a compassionate man into a killer.

Under cross examination 46-year-old Ian Anderson repeatedly denied killing the 60-year-old Ballabeg man – his body was found at Anderson’s home in the early hours of December 1^st 2013.

Telling jurors he was “scared” after the gardener attacked him three times he admitted to punching and kicking him saying he believed Mr Roberts was going to kill him.

How many times did you punch him? Anderson was asked by the prosecutor – “I don’t know” he said. How many times did you kick him? Anderson was asked - “I don’t know” he replied.

When asked if he was “deliberately not remembering” what happened after he kicked Mr Roberts during the third altercation, and he went to the floor, Anderson said he was telling the truth.

Mr Roberts suffered “catastrophic injuries” – including having almost every bone in his face broken – the injuries were caused by being stamped and jumped on whilst he was lying flat.

When asked if he had inflicted these Anderson responded “I would not have done that. The person who I am wouldn’t have continued. I stopped being me. I don’t know who I became.”

When asked if he accepted his actions had caused Mr Robert’s death Anderson repeated “I don’t know”.

When asked if he deliberately killed Neil Roberts, Anderson replied “No. No I never”.

Ian Anderson denies murder – the trial continues.