A MAN repeatedly stabbed his housemate because he had been asked to contribute to household bills, a court heard today (Monday, February 4).

Mohammed Jama, 25, was flanked by four security staff as he appeared at Teesside Crown Court to deny charges of attempted murder and wounding with intent.

He is accused of attempting to murder Carl Michael Ajib at the property they shared on Brompton Street in Middlesbrough.

Mr Ajib was left with several injuries, including a life threatening stab wound to the chest, after the attack on August 25, 2012.

Jolyon Perks, prosecuting, said Mr Jama had attacked Mr Ajib after a row broke out.

Mr Jama had allegedly become angry upon being told to leave the property if he was unable to contribute towards household expenses, and “lashed out with a flurry of punches”.

Mr Ajib then fled, running upstairs and into the bedroom of another housemate - Abdiaziz Ahmed - where he was allegedly followed by Mr Jama, who was carrying a knife. 

Describing the scene, Mr Perks said: “The defendant was forcing his way to Mr Ajib, lunging and making stabbing motions. Mr Ajib picked up a wooden drawer and hit out with it to protect himself against a person trying to stab him. The defendant managed to stab him in the chest before all three fell to the floor.”

Eventually, Mr Ahmed managed to restrain the defendant and, along with Mr Ajib, escaped the room, locking Mr Jama in and calling emergency services.

Mr Jama later told police that he had been upstairs in the property when somebody had hit him over the head with a heavy object, causing him to lose consciousness. He claimed he had woken to find himself locked in a room with the police outside and no idea what had happened.

The trial continues.