Mohamed Samak denies murdering his wife, Joanne, in Worcestershire. He wept when told she didn’t love him.
Mohamed Samak is Egyptian and denies murdering Joanne Samak, age 49. She was found early July 1 last year. He claims she stabbed herself repeatedly and that he found her on a bed with a knife at their Droitwich Spa home.
Samak, 42, claims his wife had mental health and alcohol issues. Prosecutors allege he killed her because he was interested in someone else and had financial troubles. This is per the murder trial at Worcester Crown Court.
Police interviewed Samak on July 3 and told him about his wife’s words. She reportedly told a friend she didn’t love him and wished she could divorce him. Samak became very upset upon hearing this, saying she never said that to him. He questioned why she hid her feelings and stated he always expresses his own.
Samak stated he changed his whole life for her, leaving his career and his family. He claims she said she loved him and felt fine. Once a hockey player for Egypt and a coach for Wales’ under-18 team, Samak was asked why he changed his story. First, he said he found her dead, but later, he said he saw her stabbing herself.
Police said a neighbor heard a scream lasting seven to ten seconds around 3 AM. He then changed his original statement. Samak responded by saying he felt scared and feared the situation, claiming he didn’t mean to lie and was simply frightened.
Police then asked why he waited over an hour to call 999 and if he used that time to cover up the crime. He replied that he tried to help her and also said he tried to make her stop. He said he didn’t do it and that he was in a difficult place, stating he stopped thinking because everything happened quickly and it was all too much.
Samak denied arguing with his wife, losing control of himself, or hurting her. He also said they had no money problems. He told police he’d never cheat on his wife. However, records show interactions with another woman, and he even met her in London.
The trial was previously informed about Samak’s actions. He called a debt advice service, per trial evidence, worried about paying his bills. His wife asked him monthly for his share of the money. In December 2023, Mrs. Samak sent a message apologizing for nagging him and requested that he transfer the money. His phone records showed searches for jobs, including night shifts at hotels, retail work, and delivery jobs.
His trial continues.