Former Wales hockey coach, Mohamed Samak, admits to lying initially about his wife’s death but denies murdering her.
Samak said his wife stabbed herself. He claims he found her on the bed with a knife in her stomach. The prosecution claims he murdered her, citing another woman and money issues.
The trial is in its third week. Samak changed his story after her death, saying he was scared before and admitted he lied initially. This occurred at a court hearing.
Police asked why he changed his story. He first said he found her dead, but later said he watched her stab herself. He told the court he was afraid and could not keep lying.
The court heard about efforts to save her and discussed her injuries. This information is agreed upon, with both sides accepting it as accurate. The knife was shown in court.
Police found the knife in her body. Samak called 999 after 4 AM. The knife had no fingerprints on it. It had a wooden handle, the court heard, which may explain the lack of prints.
Samak started giving his defense. He discussed his sports career, background, and shared details about his personal life. He met Joanne at a hotel in Egypt when she visited the hotel in Taba, where Samak worked.
He arrived in the UK in 2014, and said they became friends online. She visited Egypt many times after that, with friends and family. They eventually got married in Egypt.
Samak commented that they always had a connection, and their relationship made them happy. The trial continues.