A HAIRDRESSER accused of attempting to murder his former fiancée claimed his ex-girlfriend stabbed herself.

Andrew Banks, 41, had slashed and stabbed partner Rebecca Richards, 22, more than 20 times, Bradford Crown Court heard on Monday.

But in a police interview read in court yesterday, Banks said Miss Richards had hurt herself physically because she had hurt him emotionally.

Banks, who had worked at a Huddersfield salon for several years, denies the charge which is alleged to have happened on December 28 at a home the couple had shared in Wheatley, Halifax.

In his second interview, the accused told detectives he had tried to knock out Miss Richards to prevent her from further harming herself.

Banks then told police he had kicked her in the head as she came at him with two knives.

He added further injuries had been caused as he tried to wrestle the knives from Miss Richards.

The couple, who had been partners since August 2004, had split in December.

In the interview Banks said: “I went to the toilet and that’s when she got the knives…

“She said: ‘I just want to be hurt like I hurt you.’ And then she started tearing away…

“I wanted to knock her out to stop her stabbing herself…

“Then she got up to come at me with the knives so I kicked her on the top of her head.”

Banks added he had been shocked when he heard Miss Richards had later told police her ex-partner had stabbed her.

Jurors also heard from Home Office pathologist Prof Christopher Milroy.

Prof Milroy told the court Miss Richards had exhibited a patterned bruise above her nose resembling the sole of a shoe.

He said: “I can’t be certain, but it is very suggestive that it is a kick or stamp.”

The court heard from Miss Richards’ friend Kayleigh Hawley.

Miss Hawley said after the split Banks had bombarded Miss Richards with phone calls and texts including on her own phone.

The case continues.