An alleged husband admitted to stabbing his wife during an argument over money. He had also armed himself with two knives before the divorce proceedings, according to court records.
David Maggs was divorced two times before his 18-year-long marriage to Linda Maggs.
The 71-year-old has admitted killing Linda, 74, at their home in Sebastopol, Pontypool in South Wales on February 6 last year, but denies murdering her.
Jurors were able to hear Maggs’ resentment of his wife during the trial, after believing that he would be financially disadvantaged by their separation.
According to him, he brought two large knives from the kitchen with him to his wife’s house to chat to them.
Cardiff Crown Court heard Maggs, a retired businessman who had killed his wife Maggs, was charged with murder. He admitted that he had stabbed Maggs to death.
He said to them, “I went up in order to sort some things out. It was time to have a conversation. We hadn’t been talking for two months, but we needed to. Talking was essential.
Cardiff Crown Court hears that David Maggs, the husband, admitted that he saw red before stabbing Linda Maggs.
David Maggs, 71, (pictured) is on trial for stabbing his wife to death while she lay in bed after believing he was going to lose out financially in their divorce settlement, a court has heard
“It was a bad situation. I lost it, I completely lost it.
“She began shouting, and once she has stopped shouting it will be impossible for her to think rationally. Then, my mind went blank, but I knew I was accountable, I was there and I was accountable.
“I saw red but she refused to listen, and that is all I can do.”
“All she desired was money as she has always wanted. Although she claimed that there were others involved, she only cared about one person. When she begins she continues – I know exactly what I’m talking about. After that, I don’t recall.
Maggs was unable to recall the exact incident and answered questions about it.
He replied, “My mind was blank.” My mouth must have told him something along the lines of “You cow!” I don’t recall being honest. I was really angry.
Maggs pleaded guilty for manslaughter due to diminished responsibility. He claimed he “blanked out”. Pictured is their marital home, Pontypool (South Wales).
Maggs from Sebastapol (Ponypool) denies murdering but admits manslaughter under diminished responsibility.
Michael Jones QC, the prosecution said Maggs had ‘controlled’ Maggs and that Maggs had ‘wholly resented his wife because of their forthcoming divorce.
Jones stated that he felt particularly upset by the financial settlement and was afraid he would be able to lose a lot to his wife.
“He accused her, among other things, of taking advantage and concealing her income.
“He felt she could gain financially, and his mind was in disreputable ways.”
Jones indicated that Mr Jones was predicting that the couple would be divorcing in March 2021.
Cardiff Crown Court heard Maggs was concerned Linda (pictured) would hide her personal money to try and take financial advantage during the divorce proceedings
Jurors were told they had remained living together but apart within their £200,000 marital home when Linda was killed on February 6.
According to Mr Jones, Maggs entered his wife’s room and “viciously” and “repeatedly stabbed her neck, chest and stomach.”
After stabbing Linda, Maggs called 999 and told an operator that he had just killed his wife.
Jones stated that officers attended the home and witnessed Maggs walk towards them from the downstairs living area.
This trial is set to continue for approximately four more weeks.