A man charged with murder and larceny had stated in his caution interview with the police that he did not realize what he had done until he saw the dead body of the victim.

Tomasi Cama is charged with the alleged murder of 19 year old van driver Rajesh Prasad in August 2007 and his statement to the police was read out in High Court today.

During cross examination, his defence counsel highlighted that Cama had hired Prasad's van to go to Dakunikoro to get some cassava and the two had agreed to a fare of $20.

On the way, they reached a hill and Cama claims that Prasad said his van could not go any further and that the fare to that spot was $20. Cama said he got annoyed and an argument developed where the accused claims he was punched by Prasad twice.

Cama further claimed that he then challenged Prasad to a fist fight, and after a few exchange of punches, Prasad ran into his vehicle and tried to flee. The accused told police that he entered from the passenger side to punch Prasad, when Prasad pulled out a knife from the dash-board.

According to Cama's statement, he knocked the knife out of Prasad's hand, grabbed it and stabbed him. He claimed that he did not realize what he had done until he pushed Prasad's body out of the vehicle and took back his $20.

In his interview, Cama also said he only come to think of the pain and suffering of the deceased's family when he was in custody. The trial continues this afternoon.