A CAR wash owner who stabbed his cousin four times acted in self-defence because he thought his own life was in "big danger", a court heard today.

Albanian-born Albert Matmuja, of Newnham Place in Cwmbran, is on trial at Cardiff Crown Court accused of attempting to murder his cousin Arjan Matmuja in an incident on Tregwilyn Road, Rogerstone, Newport, on June 20 last year.

Earlier this week the jury heard the defendant stabbed Arjan Matmuja four times after the pair fought at the Star Car Wash, Criddle’s Garage.

The court heard how the defendant had bought the car wash business from his cousin for £30,000 in November 2013 but discovered water and electricity bills had been left outstanding.

Giving evidence through an interpreter today (Thur), the defendant also said he had worked for his cousin for three months without pay prior to him buying the business from Arjan.

On the day of the alleged incident, the defendant said he was hoovering when one of the workers at the car wash told him his cousin had arrived, armed with a piece of wood, and was calling on him to come over.

The defendant said he was knocked to the ground with punches from his cousin, who he said had arrived with "three or four others".

He added: "I was on the floor for 10 minutes. He called me and said 'Come on, do you want more?'.

"My life was in big danger. I didn't know what to do so I found something to protect myself."

Albert said he picked up a knife "just to frighten people away".

During his cross-examination, prosecutor Mike Hammett claimed the defendant told police "I was losing my mind when I saw the blood [from his cut lip after being punched to the ground]" and it was he who had gone after his cousin - something the defendant denied.

Arjan Matmuja sustained stab wounds to the groin, back, left leg, and under the armpit as a result of the alleged attack.

The court heard he was placed on intensive care following a blood transfusion after losing a significant amount of blood, and doctors said “without immediate intervention he would have died”.

Albert Matmuja has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, and also to an alternative charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Proceeding.