A SUSPECTED burglar accused of threatening an off-duty police officer with a knife said he had been "stitched up".

James Magson, 33, told a jury at Teesside Crown Court that he thought his arrest was a joke.

The prosecution say Mr Magson produced a knife when he was chased by Sergeant Darren Walton following an attempted burglary in Peterlee, County Durham, on March 17.

Mr Magson, of Coleshill Close, Billingham, Teesside, denies attempted burglary and assault with intent to resist arrest.

Nigel Soppitt, mitigating, said there was "not a hint" of forensic evidence to link him to the scene of the attempted burglary in Neville Road.

The court heard how when the defendant was stopped by police he was agitated.

On being cautioned and asked if he had anything to say, he said: "Stitched up. Stitched up."

Giving evidence, Mr Magson, who was picked out of a video identity parade by Sgt Walton, said he did not know where Neville Road was and denied that he had committed either offence.

David Lamb, prosecuting, said that when he was quizzed by police he initially gave a no reply interview, but later let slip details of the burglary which only the culprit would have known.

The trial continues.