A FORMER aeronautical engineer accused of murdering a Risca man would have been five times over the drink-drive limit at the time of the attack, a report by a scientist said.

Paul Lewis, 55, who along with his partner Kathleen Carey, 56, is jointly charged with murdering Tony Jenkins, 46, had drunk so much it could have been fatal, Cardiff crown court heard. Lewis and Carey, both of Elm Drive, Risca, deny a charge of murder.

In a statement read to the jury, forensic scientist Peter Matthewman said that Lewis had also taken prescription drugs for anxiety and insomnia and a stimulant in the form of amphetamine.

In the statement Dr Matthewman said he had "backdated" the blood sample to the estimated time of the alleged attack on Mr Jenkins at his flat in Holly Road, Risca.

Mr Jenkins was found with 18 stab wounds to his head, torso, arms and legs at his flat in Holly Road, Risca.

It was alleged by prosecutor Ian Murphy, QC, that while Lewis struggled with Mr Jenkins, Carey armed herself with a small kitchen knife and repeatedly stabbed him.

Two of the wounds, one to each lung, proved to be fatal. In his statement Dr Matthewman indicated that Mr Jenkins had given a sample which had a blood alcohol level over three and a half times the legal limit for driving, also containing traces of cannabis.

Carey, he said, might also have been affected by alcohol and it was possible opiates were present plus cannabis and amphetamine in her system.

The jury heard that a medial examination of Lewis later indicated swelling and bruising to the left eye, bruising to a shoulder bone, multiple scratches to his back and lacerations to a shoulder. (Proceeding)