A LIVERPOOL man accused of shooting at a family home has claimed he was being held at gun-point.

Lee Bates is alleged to have fired at mum-of-three Martine Wilson’s home after his blood was found splattered on the window, close to three bullet holes.

But the 27-year-old told a Liverpool Crown Court jury he had been forced to the house on Ranworth Close, Norris Green, by a man he would only name as “Luke”.

Bates, of no fixed address, said he had been out drinking with the man, but when they returned home “Luke” had turned – cutting him with a samurai sword.

He alleged “Luke” then forced him into his own car and drove to the property.

Without explanation, he then ordered Bates at gun-point to smash the windows with a metal bar.

When he refused, Bates said “Luke” shot at the window, before driving off.

Minutes later, “Luke” reversed back into the street – hitting a parked car – to shoot at the house twice more, he said.

Bates denies possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life and having a weapon at the time of committing the offence of criminal damage on March 24.

But Ian Davies, prosecuting, branded Bates’ evidence an “absolute pack of lies”.

In police interview, Bates had originally denied being at Ranworth Close.

But after forensic analysis showed it was his blood on the windows, he changed his account, claiming he had been threatened.

Wearing a grey shirt and tie, Bates said he was “terrified” and had lied to police because of fear of reprisals.

But Mr Davies said: “Why when you’ve lied so many times in your interview should the jury believe you for one minute?”

Bates replied: “I dunno.”

Mr Davies added: “You seem to have changed your whole account now that forensic evidence was going to put you at the scene.”

Bates, who initially escaped from a police chase, was arrested later that same day in Fazakerley. Gun residue was found on his top.

The case continues