Woolwich man stabbed wife to death before Christmas 'in self defence' (From News Shopper)

Woolwich man stabbed wife to death before Christmas 'in self defence'

5:28pm Wednesday 5th September 2012 in News By Sarah Trotter

A WOOLWICH man accused of murdering his wife says he stabbed her 10 times in the head and neck in self-defence.

Bentley Huggins, aged 42, of Elliston House, denies murdering Desirie Thomas in their matrimonial home just before Christmas last year.

The 35-year-old mother was found lying face down in a pool of blood by police on December 23.

Hours before, her husband - who was allowed in the UK on a marriage visa - found out she wanted a divorce which would leave him homeless, the Old Bailey heard today.

Huggins said his wife was abusive and attacked him with a kitchen knife which he wrestled off her before stabbing her 10 times, the jury heard.

Prosecutor Zoe Johnson said: "We suggest the defendant, who had been drinking, in cold blood and anger murdered his wife.

"We suggest the defendant is a self-pitying man who believed the world owed him a living and should be subservient to his needs."

The trial continues.