Christchurch man denies stabbing

File photo / NZH

A Christchurch man accused of stabbing another in the chest, arm and leg has denied knowing the victim.

Shane Anaru Waterreus, 28, has denied at a jury trial in Christchurch District Court intentionally causing grievous bodily harm.

Crown prosecutor Sally Carter yesterday told the court that on January 19 Waterreus and the victim got into an argument about gangs, Christchurch Court News website reported.

Waterreus allegedly punched the victim, grabbed a knife and stabbed him in the chest and when the victim fell to the floor he was stabbed in the arm and leg.

Ms Carter said the left side chest wound caused a lung to collapse and the victim nearly died.

Police found blood at the scene, which had been cleaned up, but the knife was not found.

Police later DNA tested blood on Waterreus' clothing which was matched to the victim.

Waterreus denied he had been at the scene said he came across the victim, who he did not know, on the road.

However, police records showed that late last year he was in a car that was stopped by police, which was being driven by the victim, Ms Carter said.

- NZPA