Huntley gives evidence in Soham trial

Ian Huntley has told the Old Bailey how Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman died at his home in Soham last year.

The 29-year-old former college caretaker walked the few yards from the dock to the witness box as his defence team began their case.

He is the first defence witness to give evidence in the trial, which has entered its 20th day.

Huntley said the two girls had entered his house so that he could help treat Holly for a nosebleed.

While they were in his bathroom Huntley said that he had slipped, saying it was "possible" that this had accidentally knocked Holly into the bath

He then described how he "panicked and froze" after seeing Holly Wells lying in the bath.

Huntley claimed Jessica had started to scream that he had deliberately pushed her and he put his hand over her mouth to keep her quiet.

When asked if he had used one or two hands he said: "I clearly remember one. I don't know if I placed the other hand on her to restrain her or ... I don't know" he said.

"All I can say is that I clearly remember putting one."

Huntley then described how Jessica had 'fallen to the floor' after he had taken his hand off her mouth.

The jury earlier heard the prosecution formally close its case against Huntley and his ex-girlfriend Maxine Carr.

Huntley denies murdering the two girls in Soham, Cambridgeshire, on August 4 last year but has admitted one count of conspiring to pervert the course of justice.