Murder trial defendant Karl Quincey told a PC while under arrest that he had killed Barry Cooper and that he had hidden the knife he used in a back garden in Devizes, a court heard this afternoon.

PC Tom Kinderman told Winchester Crown Court what Quincey had said to him when he was detained in custody while under arrest for the murder of Barry Cooper, which he is denying.

The court heard that PC Kinderman escorted Quincey to Chippenham magistrates court and back to Swindon police station on June 30 last year.

PC Kinderman said he did not question Quincey about the stabbing and cautioned him that he did not have to say anything.

But Quincey told PC Kinderman that he wanted to kill himself and asked him if he knew the Devil. PC Kinderman read to the jury from his notebook in which he had written what Quincey had told him while in a cell.

Quincey had said: “I have been told to go no comment. However there is so much to tell, who gives a ****. Tom, there has been lots of stuff been going on in Devizes for years. This starts over 12 years ago with the killing of a young girl outside the Moonrakers pub in Devizes.

“I know about that case and I know about planned robberies at Chippenham railway station."

PC Kinderman said Quincey added: “I know where the murder weapon is. It’s in Longcroft Avenue in a back garden. It’s a knife, grey handled, a sharp kitchen knife. I had to hide it for someone. I want to talk. It’s a Vietnam war knife.”

PC Kinderman said Quincey drew a picture of a knife in his notebook and signed it.

In another part of his evidence PC Kinderman said Quincey told him: ”I want to clear my conscience. I did kill Barry Cooper. I want to get the rest of the Coopers. There, I feel better.”

PC Kinderman said Quincey was advised not to sign his notebook on the advice of his solicitor. He said Quincey returned to his cell in tears.

Defence barrister Patrick Harrington QC told PC Kinderman that what Quincey said to him most of the time was a load of rubbish.

Quincey, 33, of Longcroft Avenue, Devizes, has pleaded not guilty to murder of Mr Cooper, 28, of Eastleigh Road.

This morning the court heard from witness Matthew Barnes who said he saw Quincey attack Mr Cooper. See the link below for his full testimony.

The court was told the prosecution is due to finish its case tomorrow.

More updates tomorrow lunchtime and evening