An alcoholic has denied having anything to do with the murder of his gay partner at their boat home on the River Medway.

Kenneth Harman claimed he returned to The Impulse at Medway Wharf Road, Tonbridge, and found Michael Castle dead.

Jonathan Higgs, prosecuting, told 55-year-old Harman: "You have shown yourself to be a devious liar who has done everything you can to escape justice for what you did to your partner."

Harman replied: "I did not do anything to Michael."

He is alleged to have killed Mr Castle, 61, on February 15 with a single stab wound after they argued.

Maidstone Crown Court heard Mr Castle bought the boat in late 2004 and Harman started living with him. Both were heavy drinkers.

Mr Higgs said Harman telephoned the emergency services and put on a show for them about how he found his partner dead.

Asked if he was ever violent to Mr Castle, he replied: "Not normally, no. Verbally may be, not physically. There were several occasions when he was violent to me."

On February 15, Harman said he got up at about 8.30am. Visitors to the boat that morning were Paul Kinsey and his son to fix the starter motor and friend Danny Draine.

After they left, Harman said he took his dog for a walk. He said he went towards the locks and returned to the boat after about 45 minutes.

"I came in and found Michael," he said. "He was slouched forward. He was dead. There was blood everywhere and glass. I took his pulse. He was not breathing or moving."

Harman said he had no idea who could have been responsible for killing Mr Castle.

The trial continues.