A man on trial in Christchurch has told a court he did not think striking the victim would kill him.
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Peter John Carroll, 52, was charged with the murder of Marcus Tucker, whose body was found dumped by a lake near Doyleston, south of Christchurch, last Anzac Day.
He was cross examined at the High Court in Christchurch by a Crown prosecutor this morning.
Mr Carroll told the court the victim owed him money, and he went to see Mr Tucker to threaten him.
He said he assaulted Mr Tucker with a steering lock, but does not remember hitting his head.
It was not his intention to hurt him badly.
Mr Carroll said when he realised Mr Tucker was dead, he freaked out and ran outside shaking.
The trial is expected to finish this week.
