MURDER suspect Lee Bright told a court yesterday how he had long conversations with stab victim Bruce Walker and considered him a friend.

Mr Walker bled to death after he was stabbed three times in the back following a visit to The Garden, Newcastle - a gay cruising area - on December 3, 1998.

Bright is accused of murdering Mr Walker just minutes before he attacked health authority manager Clive Ryott.

The 26-year-old told Newcastle Crown Court how he had known Mr Walker, of Sunderland, for a year or so before the attack.

He said: "I liked him, I never argued with him, just talked about being gay."

Security cameras close to the murder scene recorded Bright's van in the area for 11 minutes around the time of the attacks. DNA matching Bright was found under Mr Walker's fingernails

Bright told the court how he and Mr Walker had two past sexual encounters. He also told how he receives "visitations" and hears good and evil voices in his head.

Mr Walker was found dead at an area known as "the long stairs" by passers-by just after 10pm.

Mr Ryott, 32, had also been to The Garden and was attacked but he managed to break free from the attacker. He was left with four stab wounds and the attacker made off with his jacket.

Bright, 26, of Woodland Crescent, Benwell, Newcastle denies murder, wounding with intent and robbery.

The trial continues.