A man accused of stabbing his pregnant ex-girlfriend five times in the stomach has told police she attacked him first, a court has heard. Nicholas Leaning, 28, denies attempted murder, wounding with intent and attempting to destroy the life of a child at Hull Crown Court.
The alleged attack took place on 11 June in Belton, North Lincolnshire, when Lauren Oliver was seven months pregnant. Both she and her baby survived. In a police statement read out in court, Mr Leaning said he went to Ms Oliver's house to ask why she was telling his new girlfriend that he had got other women pregnant.
He claimed Ms Oliver went to attack him with a knife, so he pushed her away and left. He also admitted asking his father to lie and give him an alibi. The prosecution presented a transcript of his police interview, in which he initially denied being at her house before later admitting he was there.
Several witnesses described seeing Ms Oliver shortly after the alleged attack. Neighbour Alison Porter told the jury she saw a man in black leaning into Ms Oliver's house before running away. 'His feet were outside but he was leaning into the house. I couldn't see what he was doing,' she said. She then ran to help Ms Oliver.
The defence questioned why Ms Porter failed to mention seeing Mr Leaning at the house in her police statement. The trial continues.
