A gardener accused of attempting to kill a man with an axe in a dispute over money walked free from court after being cleared by a jury.

Frederick Edwards, 35, told the jury at Lewes Crown Court he had acted in self-defence when he wounded Andrew Williams in a violent fight in May last year.

The jury took just over an hour to consider its verdicts and acquitted him of charges of attempted murder and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

During the three-day trial, the court heard how trouble flared between the two men after Mr Williams claimed he was owed wages by Mr Edwards for clearing an overgrown garden in Bexhill.

Mr Edwards told how he was at his home in Hawkhurst Close, Eastbourne, when Mr Williams smashed his front door and tried to get inside.

Mr Edwards said he was scared of Mr Williams, who had threatened him before, and he picked up the axe and went outside to confront him. He said he feared his girlfriend was at risk if Mr Williams got inside their flat.

Mr Edwards said Mr Williams was wielding a claw hammer and the two men violently struggled on the garden path.

Mr Edwards told the court: "I did not want to kill him. He was in a mad rage. I just had to do something to save myself.

"I regret everything from start to finish. It has just been a nightmare. I wish we could have sorted it out in another way. I am sorry I hurt him."

Earlier Mr Williams, 37, who has Parkinson's disease, told the jury he was still receiving treatment for his injuries. He was struck on the head three times and also had injuries to his face and back.