A KILLER was left reeling in anger after his knife-wielding victim attacked him first, but admitted pinching valuables from the scene as 'payback', a court has heard.

Michael Danaher took the stand for a second time at Oxford Crown Court today, claiming he did not intend to harm Adrian Greenwood in the 42-year-old's home.

The defendant told jurors he was left shocked after 'irate' Mr Greenwood brandished a blade in front of his eyes moments after their friendly chat in the Iffley Road property.

The 50-year-old, of Hadrians Court, Peterborough, denies murder but claims he killed Mr Greenwood in self-defence.

Wearing a grey tracksuit top and bottoms, Danaher said he was invited into the bookseller's house after turning up unannounced on April 6.

Mr Greenwood became unhappy a visitor he was expecting had not dropped by, insulting Danaher and branding him 'obese' after he made a joke, the defendant said.

The unemployed father added: "[Then] he just got up in my face and became very animated.

"He just looked like the angriest man in Britain - pent up look about him, like he was ready to explode."

Danaher said he went to leave when Mr Greenwood shoved him twice, tumbling to the floor after slipping on a rug in the hallway.

He continued: "I was somewhat stunned to be fair. He was just kind of standing over me, glaring at me."

Danaher attempted to pick himself up from the floor but 'incredibly angry' Mr Greenwood appeared waving the blade, he claimed.

He said he tried to shield himself from the weapon using his left hand when Mr Greenwood sliced his right cheek with the blade.

Danaher claimed he grabbed the knife, twisting and pointing it at his attacker before the pair 'struggled' in the hallway.

The defendant revealed he seized the blade, swinging it to keep Mr Greenwood at arm's length.

But the pair continued grappling in the hallway, collapsing to the ground after Danaher failed to flee through the locked front door.

Danaher continued: "I was very very tired. It was the most strenuous thing I have ever done. It was a very difficult situation to be in."

He recalled feeling 'thankful' when Mr Greenwood halted his attack, pushing the bookseller towards the wall before slumping on the stairs to catch his breath.

Danaher admitted spotting no signs Mr Greenwood was alive at this point.

He confirmed he then pinched the bookseller's rare £50,000 copy of The Wind in the Willows, camera, camcorder, wallet and keys.

He said: "I was angry at the fact that he felt the need to attack me. I wanted [him] to pay for attacking me because it annoyed me that much, so I took some of his belongings."

The defendant claimed he did not realise he kept hold of the blade which snapped off from the knife handle and was uncovered at his home.

He said he put the copy of The Wind of the Willows, which prosecutors allege sparked the alleged murder, for sale on eBay to raise cash for charity after returning home.

The trial continues.