SUSPECTS involved in a stabbing attack have been accused of providing conflicting evidence as a one-week trial approaches its conclusion.

Alex Potter, 32, and Bibi Stone, 38, are accused of planning and carrying out a serious assault on Lee Jackson using a 10-inch kitchen knife on Saturday, April 13.

The prosecution and defence closed their cases on Thursday, and Judge Richard Kelly has told the jury he will allow them to retire and consider their verdict on Friday.

Mr Jackson, 55, is alleged to have told his ex-partner to send Stone threatening text messages about a debt he says he was owed after selling her a PlayStation.

Trial - a jury has been sitting at Ipswich Crown CourtTrial - a jury has been sitting at Ipswich Crown Court (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

He is also accused of sending messages to Stone’s mother and threatening to harm Stone’s four-month-old baby.

The jury was told during the trial how, on the morning of the incident, Potter sent Stone a text saying he wanted to “pave in” Mr Jackson in retaliation for what he had done.

The two went round to Jackson’s address at about 11am and it is accepted by both defendants that they set out to smash in the windows to Mr Jackson’s flat in St John’s Avenue, Colchester.

The prosecution argue Potter went to the address armed with a knife with the intention of attacking Jackson, and that Stone was aware of the plan.

The jury’s attention was drawn to the different accounts Stone and Potter gave of what Mr Jackson was armed with when he confronted them in response to his windows being smashed.

Stone said Mr Jackson came to the door armed with a baseball bat over his head, with Potter grappling with him before disarming and fighting him inside his flat, then stabbing him in self-defence.

Potter said Mr Jackson was armed with a cosh and a knife held at waist height, and that he karate chopped the cosh out of Mr Jackson’s hand before wresting the knife off him and stabbing him.

Mr Jackson told the court he was armed with one weapon – the cosh – and was stabbed by Potter as soon as he opened the door.

Defendants - Alex Potter and Bibi Stone deny charges of grievous bodily harm and wounding with intentDefendants - Alex Potter and Bibi Stone deny charges of grievous bodily harm and wounding with intent (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

Potter and Stone left the flat with tobacco, a jar of change, and a wallet whilst Potter tucked the knife inside his trousers, later discarding it in a salt bin.

Stone was arrested and interviewed at Colchester police station whilst Potter went on the run, turning himself into police a week later.

Potter, of Tony Webb Close, Colchester, has admitted criminal damage, but denies aggravated burglary, burglary, and two counts each of wounding with intent and grievous bodily harm.

Stone, of Ship Wharf, Colchester, has admitted burglary and criminal damage, but denies aggravated burglary and two counts each of wounding with intent and grievous bodily harm.

The trial continues.