A man strangled his drunken friend for five minutes before telling police: “I’ve never killed someone before.”

Electrician Trevor Brazier, 49, is alleged to have murdered Kevin Tridgell at his home in Northdown Avenue, Cliftonville, after pleading with officers to eject him from the flat.

As his trial opened last week, Maidstone Crown Court was told Brazier called police three times on the night of June 2 last year.

Police video footage shown to the jury revealed Brazier telling officers: “I’ve never killed someone before. Seriously, I haven’t. I’m not joking. This is the first time.

Officers discovered Mr Tridgell lying unconscious on a bed. He later died in hospital.

Prosecutor Catherine Donnelly heard how police officers were called to the flat shortly after 1.30am by Brazier, who denies murder.

They discovered Mr Tridgell drunk and asleep on a sofa and, after paramedics examined him, they suggested he be allowed to sleep it off.

“I’ve never killed someone before. Seriously, I haven’t. I’m not joking..." Trevor Brazier

Police told the agitated Brazier it would be unfair for Mr Tridgell to be dumped onto the streets and said they did not have the powers to eject the 38-year-old.

Hours later a neighbour heard the two men arguing and Brazier demanding his friend leave.

Mr Tridgell was heard saying: “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” before it went silent, the court heard.

Later, Brazier called the police telling how he had strangled Mr Tridgell in an act of self-defence.

He claimed Mr Tridgell had woken up and pestered him to buy more alcohol.

Brazier claimed during the argument Mr Tridgell produced a knife and tried to attack him

The jury heard how the two had been drinking at the flat.

Following the initial call and visit by officers, Brazier called police again at 3.28am asking for Mr Tridgell to be removed.

He told them: “I’ve got a job to do in the morning. I’m an electrician. He might wake up and nick

things.”

Police returned to the flat following a third call at 6am, and discovered the body of Mr Tridgell.

Brazier covered his eyes in the dock as the jury was shown police body-worn footage in which he told officers: “You can drag him out - just get rid of him. I’ve asked you nicely.”

Ms Donnelly said police found a blue-handled knife under Mr Tridgell’s body.

Brazier claimed his friend tried to stab him and he defended himself.

The jury retired this morning.

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