AN alleged murderer has denied kicking a former flatmate to death in his York home.

John William Leslie Wood, 39, claimed Wilfred Barlow, 44, attacked Peter Robinson in the flat's bedroom.

Wood claimed he eventually managed to get Barlow off Mr Robinson, but not before the other man had died.

"I could see he (Robinson) was in terrible trouble," Wood told a jury at Leeds Crown Court yesterday. "He had no pulse, he wasn't breathing."

Later that evening, Barlow gave his phone to Wood's girlfriend, Karen Bulmer, and told her to phone the police.

"He said he had killed him and he had nothing to live for, and he would take responsibility for it," said Wood, giving evidence in his own defence.

Wood alleged he was so panic-stricken about having a body in his flat that he persuaded Ms Bulmer not to call, but was happy to let her go to the police the next day.

"I wanted his body treated with respect, so in a way I was quite pleased she went to the police," he claimed.

In the intervening time, he had contemplated throwing Mr Robinson's body in the river and shared in plans to cut it up. He had also drunk heavily.

Wood, of Trent House, Margaret Street, York, Barlow, formerly of Bramham Avenue, Chapelfields, York, and Paul Darch, 36, of Horsman Avenue, York, all deny murder.

Wood claimed it was "impossible" that blood on his shoes, particularly his left shoe, had got there when he kicked or stamped on Mr Robinson, because he had not done such things.

Mr Robinson had lived with him until Wood evicted him for allegedly molesting Ms Bulmer on February 21. On February 28, Mr Robinson returned and claimed he would bring 20 people from Clifton to damage the flat.

Wood claimed he "manhandled" Mr Robinson into the bedroom so he could collect his belongings.

Wood punched him three times before Barlow attacked him. Wood then left the room because he heard an argument between Ms Bulmer and Darch. He alleged he had earlier told Barlow not to attack Mr Robinson.

Earlier, an expert said Mr Robinson may have "drowned in his own blood", or from brain damage caused by at least nine blows to his head and neck.

Home Office pathologist Dr Peter Cooper said that he found 19 different injuries above the shoulders of Mr Robinson, but very few below the shoulders.

The injuries may have been caused by feet in shoes kicking or stamping on him.

The trial will continue tomorrow.

Updated: 09:31 Thursday, October 13, 2005