A murder trial has begun at Manchester Crown Court, where a man stands accused of fatally stabbing an ice cream seller during a violent altercation.
The defendant, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, has entered a plea of not guilty to murder. His defence team argues that he acted in self-defence during the confrontation with the victim, a local ice cream vendor.
The court heard how the incident unfolded following a dispute between the two men. Prosecutors allege that the confrontation turned deadly when the defendant produced a knife and stabbed the ice cream seller multiple times.
Emergency services rushed to the scene following reports of a disturbance, but despite their efforts, the victim succumbed to his injuries. The attack has sent shockwaves through the local community, where the ice cream seller was described as a well-known and popular figure.
During opening statements, the prosecution painted a picture of an unprovoked attack, while the defence maintained their client feared for his safety and reacted instinctively to protect himself.
The trial continues as both sides prepare to present evidence and call witnesses to support their respective cases. The jury will ultimately determine whether the stabbing was a deliberate act of murder or a case of self-defence gone tragically wrong.
