A Sydney man who stabbed his "drug buddy" more than 50 times had earlier said he was about to kill someone and was "in the horrors", a judge has been told.
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Luke Close, 33, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Garry Welsh, 63, at his Nowra unit on February 23, 2018, but pleaded guilty to his manslaughter.
Justice Richard Button is hearing the NSW Supreme Court trial at Nowra without a jury, after the Crown did not accept the plea to the less serious offence.
"Precisely what occurred is unknown other than the accused inflicted fatal injuries to the deceased and left," prosecutor Kate Ratcliffe said in her opening address on Monday.
Mr Welsh sustained 52 stab wounds, multiple cuts, from his neck to his toes, as well as blunt force injuries to his torso.
Close's barrister Keith Austin said his client admitted committing the unlawful and dangerous act causing death, but does not admit he had the mental elements required for the offence of murder.
The judge was told the issue related to the effects on his functioning of his drug and alcohol intoxication at the time.
Ms Ratcliffe said Mr Welsh, who was unwell and had longstanding drug problems, was known to be a very kind person who allowed homeless people to stay in his unit.
Close's partner had referred to the men as being "drug buddies" and said Close himself had a serious addiction which included using ice.
Ms Ratcliffe referred to a number of incidents occurring after Close travelled to Nowra on February 21, including smashing his phone, being extremely angry, drinking alcohol and taking drugs.
He was described as slurring his words, being "charged up on the gear", saying "I am about to kill some c***", "I am in the horrors", the prosector said,.
Meanwhile, a friend left just before midnight after visiting Mr Welsh, who told him he was expecting Close to show up.
Neighbours later heard banging, screaming and squealing and someone saw a man with a knife in the driveway.
An acquaintance saw Close only wearing shorts and with a knife in his hand which he dropped.
"I am sorry my brother, I am sorry my brother, I think I have just killed someone," he allegedly said.
He walked off crying before alleging assaulting a neighbour who confronted him about damaging his daughter's car mirror.
Police were called and Close was arrested for assault and malicious damage and taken to the police station.
CCTV recorded his strange behaviour which included headbutting the cell door and rocking back and forwards.
He was taken to hospital before police returned later and asked if he wanted a lift home.
He nominated Mr Welsh's address, where police found the body.
Close said his last memory was drinking alcohol before he woke up in hospital.
The trial is continuing.
Australian Associated Press
