A Popley man accused of murder has pleaded not guilty to alternate charges of manslaughter, wounding with intent, and unlawful wounding.

Kenneth Walker, 64, of Tasmania Close, Popley, has already been charged with the murder of Craig Laurie and the attempted murder of Scott Laurie, during an incident on May 12.

The alternate charges were put forward to Walker during his ongoing trial at Winchester Crown Court on Wednesday, November 20.

His girlfriend, Jane Byrne, 53, of Egerton Drive, Basingstoke, is also on trial, accused of perverting the course of justice.

Craig Laurie was fatally stabbed on May 12Craig Laurie was fatally stabbed on May 12 (Image: Newsquest) READ MORE: Popley murder: 'It would have been different If I was alone'

Walker also took the stand to give evidence on Wednesday as he offered details about his history with the Laurie family and his account of the events leading up to and following the fatal altercation.

Walker told his counsel Jeremy Wainwright that he had known the Laurie family for 40 years and previously had a relationship with their mother, with whom he shares a son, Callum.

He also admitted that there were past tensions with Craig Laurie.

“He would call me names, and he was hostile towards me,” Walker said, adding that Craig had physically assaulted him on multiple occasions and repeatedly threatened to stab him.

Walker also alleged that Craig had visited his house three times before the fatal incident, once brandishing a pickaxe handle and a boning knife and another time with a meat cleaver concealed in his jacket.

Recounting the day of the fatal confrontation, Walker admitted to drinking alcohol and possibly smoking heroin before the Laurie brothers arrived at his home.

Walker said he answered the door while being armed with a knife and he said he was "scared" of the brothers, whom he described as “tool merchants.”

Walker alleged that Scott Laurie made threats against his son, Callum, and gestured aggressively with both hands. He said that's when he stabbed him.

He said that Craig Laurie then began throwing punches at him, before Walker stabbed him too.

The defendant claimed his actions were driven by fear for his safety and that of Byrne, who was in the flat at the time.

After the altercation, Walker said he did not pursue the brothers but shut the door and left the property with Byrne.

He admitted to taking the knife to a friend's house, where he asked them to clean it in a dishwasher.

During cross-examination, Walker was questioned about witness accounts that claimed he was heard saying, “I will f***ing kill you, you c***” as he left the scene.

Walker denied making the statement and said the witnesses were mistaken.

SEE ALSO: Popley murder: Kenneth Walker recounts stabbing brothers

He also dismissed allegations that he told police during an interview, “I wish I killed them both."

Walker continues to deny charges of murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, and wounding with intent. 

Byrne is likely to be examined on Thursday, November 21.