Falling-out 'led to dope-dealer's death'

A falling-out between two small-time drug dealers ended with one of them stabbing the other to death, a jury in the High Court at Auckland was told yesterday.

Sam Talapusi, 45, of West Auckland, is accused of murdering Brett Ivan Sklenars, 41, at the deceased's Glen Eden caravan last August.

In her opening address, Crown prosecutor Louise Freyer said things had soured between the two men, who were involved in selling cannabis.

Talapusi had not paid a drug-related $10 debt.

Mrs Freyer said that when Mr Sklenars refused to give Talapusi a tinny (cannabis wrapped in foil) and money, the accused became angry and stabbed Mr Sklenars with a fish filleting knife.

When interviewed, Talapusi allegedly admitted stabbing the deceased.

He said he was drunk and angry at Mr Sklenars' swearing at him.

He allegedly said he meant only to injure him.

Mrs Freyer said the Crown rejected any notion that Talapusi was defending himself. He was the aggressor.

Justice Geoffrey Venning is presiding over the trial, which is expected to last all week.