A HUSBAND looked like "the Incredible Hulk" when he beat his wife and an elderly woman to death, a court heard.
Daniel Appleton, 38, was described by a witness as looking "big, bold and scary" like the comic book character after killing two women.
He has admitted killing Amy, 32, and pensioner Sandra Seagrave, 76, who confronted him outside his home in Crawley Down, near Gatwick.
The court has heard that Appleton, who denies murder, was experiencing a psychotic episode.
The prosecution claim Appleton had taken a powerful synthetic drug at the time of the attack.
Neighbour Susan Kipps said she saw Appleton pacing the driveway naked on Sunday 22 December, 2019.
A murder trial jury heard how she told police: “He seemed very agitated and angry.
“He was sort of puffed up and behaving totally differently. His eyes weren’t right.
“It was as though he had turned into the Incredible Hulk.
"He looked like he was on another planet, like he had lost the plot.
“He looked big, bold and scary.”
READ MORE:
- Husband murdered wife and elderly lady in 'psychotic episode', court hears
- What drugs did 'psychotic' husband take before killing wife and elderly lady
- Horrified neighbour watches pensioner beaten to death with own walking stick
Appleton broke down as the court heard witnesses describe finding his wife Amy lying on their driveway.
She was discovered lying half underneath an Audi, bleeding from a massive head injury.
Mrs Kipps told Police: “He began leaning over his car and was sweeping his leg from side to side.
“I couldn’t see what he was trying to move.
“I now know Amy was down there.”
Neighbour Gary Wigzell was one of the first people to discover Amy's body.
He was trying to rouse the popular school teacher when Appleton emerged naked from the house.
Mr Wigzell said: "He took one step closer and lent over me and said, 'I know I’ve killed my wife and I know I’m going to prison'.
“I suggested he go back indoors. I thought for the safety of everybody including himself.”
The court heard he then tried to take his own life in the kitchen of the couple's home.
Sussex Police Sergeant Christopher Brakell described finding Appleton in a pool of blood in the kitchen.
Sgt Brakell, said: "I thought he was going to die. I’ve never seen so much blood in my life.
"What I found quite strange was the living room was quite normal, Christmas tree and presents.
“This was just a quaint address, ready for Christmas. It surprised me to see such normality around such chaos."
The officer told the court it took ten people to restrain Appleton as police and paramedics battled to save his life.
The trial continues.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article