A WOMAN told a court yesterday how she watched in horror as the father of her child died in a pool of blood on the doorstep of their home.

Leanne Watson was at a late-night family party with Darren Liddy when he was allegedly attacked by Peter Topping, the 27-year-old partner of his sister, Sharon, at a party in Sunderland.

Mr Liddy managed to stagger home to nearby Knightingale Close but died from two 6in stab wounds.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how the party at Swifton Drive, Sunderland, had already turned into a drunken brawl before Mr Liddy arrived.

He tried to calm things down as Mr Topping, armed with a knife, argued and scuffled with his brother.

Miss Watson told the court: "I went in and told Pete to put the knife down because the kids were screaming."

Miss Watson said Mr Topping threatened to stab her before she ran off in terror.

The court heard that Mr Liddy arranged for the children to stay with a friend, then headed back to the party to see what was going on.

Miss Watson said: "As we walked into the dining room, Pete just reached over and stabbed Darren in the shoulder. He just fell forward. I ran out because I was in shock.

"When Darren fell towards him he Mr Topping must have pulled the knife out and stabbed him again.

"A good five minutes after, Darren came walking out. There was loads of blood all over him and he was white."

The court heard how Mr Liddy collapsed before he was able to reach his front door.

Mr Topping, of Swifton Drive, Sunderland, denies murder and the trial continues.