A MAN armed with axes crept into a family home and killed their dog before delivering a fatal blow to father Craig Barker, a jury was told today.

Nathan Davis, 26, is on trial for the murder of car wash operator Mr Barker, 47, who was sliced in the neck with the axe in the horrific attack, severing a major artery.

A jury at Teesside Crown Court was shown graphic video footage from body cameras worn by officers who arrived minutes after the attack, when Davis had fled the scene at Cleatlam Close, Hardwick, Stockton.

There were children present in nearby bedrooms, some of whom witnessed the violence, the court heard.

The video showed images of the dog lying at the top of the stairs and Mr Barker slumped against the bath covered in blood, while people in the house screamed and wept in horror.

Mr Davis of Wylam Road, Stockton, denies one charge of murder and two counts of possessing an offensive weapon. He will argue that he struck the dog when it bit him, and accidentally struck Mr Barker in the process.

The court heard went to the house after consuming alcohol and self-prescribed drugs to hunt for a man he claimed had assaulted his girlfriend.

Prosecuting, Nick Dry said Mr Davis was drunk, angry, agitated and armed to the teeth.

When Mr Barker attempted to defend himself and his family by telling Mr Davis to get out and throwing a steam mop at him, the defendant struck the fatal blow with his axe, Mr Dry said.

When officers entered the home they found the family’s Staffordshire Bull Terrier Leo fitting at the top of the stairs while Mr Barker’s family did all they could to save him.

Witness Claire McKittrick said she saw Mr Davis "swinging those weapons towards Craig and then he disappeared".

She said in the panic the family were tending to the dog and hadn’t realised Mr Barker was so badly injured until she found him "hanging over the bath".

She attempted CPR until paramedics arrived but said "there was nothing in his eyes". Mr Barker died of his injuries two days later.

Police launched a major manhunt for Davis who was found in Darlington following a police pursuit.

The trial continues.