A MANAGER told a court yesterday how he was stabbed with a knife which could have been used to stab another man just minutes earlier.

Clive Ryott, 33, was stabbed four times by the man accused of killing Bruce Walker, the jury was told.

Mr Ryott survived the attack but still suffers a loss of sensation to his right arm.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how both men were stabbed as they visited a gay cruising area in Newcastle known as The Gardens.

When asked about the weapon, Mr Ryott told Newcastle Crown Court: "I can remember thinking there was something on it. It went through my mind it could have been blood.

"As he pulled the knife he said, 'give me your money' and as he finished saying it, he stabbed me."

Mr Ryott ran into a public house where an ambulance was called.

He later picked out Lee Bright, of Woodland Crescent, Benwell, Newcastle, from a video line-up. Bright 27, is accused of murdering Mr Walker, 47, of Sunderland, minutes before he attacked Mr Ryott.

He denies murder, wounding with intent and robbery on December 23, 1999.

Forensic scientist Elizabeth Harris told the court how a DNA profile matching Bright's was found under Mr Walker's finger nails.

Fibres from a sweatshirt found in Bright's home were also found on the anorak Mr Walker was wearing.

The trial continues.