Mark Donovan is on trial, accused of fatally attacking Elise Mason in April 2023. Jealousy is cited as motive.
Mr. Donovan allegedly used a lamp and strangled Ms. Mason, causing her death. The judge told jurors to ignore feelings and decide if he murdered her. This happened in Great Baddow, near Chelmsford.
Elise and Mr. Donovan were married for over ten years. She moved out and started a new relationship. The prosecution says he became jealous and attacked her during a 36-minute period between 4:42 pm and 5:18 pm on April 25.
Andrew Jackson, the prosecutor, spoke to jurors, stating that Donovan attacked Ms. Mason in November 2022. Police were called to that earlier incident. Ms. Mason told officers something significant: a harder hit would leave her unable to rise.
This incident broke down their marriage. By February 2023, Ms. Mason found happiness in a new relationship. Donovan told doctors he learned about this before her death.
The prosecution claims he knew about the partner for some time before the event. Mr. Jackson explained their situation to the court, noting that Elise had moved to her mother’s in Springfield. Mr. Jackson stated this was not an affair; she moved on, but he didn’t accept it.
Mr. Jackson spoke about why he believed homicide occurred. He said Mr. Donovan wanted to fix the marriage but understood that it wouldn’t work. Jealousy consumed him due to her new relationship, and she lost her life because of his anger.
Judge Christopher Morgan spoke earlier on Wednesday, telling the jurors about the law. He added that the case can cause strong feelings and asked them to judge the case on evidence. They should ignore any strong feelings.
It’s important to decide without emotion if the defendant is guilty, thinking carefully about murder or manslaughter. Emotion does not help prove the allegation. The trial at Chelmsford Crown Court continues.