A HUSBAND accused of murdering his estranged wife told police he could not think of anyone who would wish to kill her.
Raymond Hoadley is standing trial for the murder of Jacqueline (Jackie) Hoadley, a disability rights campaigner in Eastbourne.
The 62-year-old allegedly stabbed her seven times in the face and neck in her bed.
Police were called to a property in Broad Oak Close after a social worker found her body in July last year.
At Hove Crown Court it was revealed the couple had agreed to separate after Hoadley suffered a breakdown.
During the interviews Hoadley was shown footage of a van he is accused of driving to the murder scene on the night of Saturday, July 4 last year.
Read more on this story: 'I want to kill you, I want to strangle you' - Raymond Hoadley accused of murder
CCTV footage showed it in nearby Rotherfield Avenue at 11.22pm, and it is the only vehicle of its type registered in Eastbourne.
Later it was driven to the beach, where Caroline Carberry QC, prosecuting, said Hoadley dumped the murder weapon, a pair of scissors.
Hoadley described what he was wearing, including a pair of Karrimor trainers.
A boot print was found on a wheelie bin at the back of property that matched the footwear.
It is suggested Hoadley clambered over the bin, causing damage to the garden fence, in order to enter Jackie’s home.
He later changed his story about the shoes he had been wearing.
Detectives said: “Jackie was found on her bed, examination by the police looks like Jackie Hoadley was killed in that bed, it’s possible while she was sleeping.
“There is no sign of forced entry. We are trying to establish who did that.
“We ask if you have any idea who would have the ability to get into that property without forced entry.”
“Honestly, I have no idea,” Hoadley replied.
“Can you think of any reason why anyone would do this?” Detectives asked.
“I see no reason why,” Hoadley replied, adding: “Jackie was a friendly, easy-going person.
“She worked with me for 24 years. That’s why she came to this decision, I pushed her too many times.
“I think she probably would have ended the relationship two or three years ago had we not had children. I think she said that in conversations with other people.”
During often rambling answers Hoadley spoke about his relationship with 58-year-old Jackie, whom he married in 1995.
He was asked how he felt about the split, and said: “I had made a rod for my own back. My brother said you have only got yourself to blame.”
Caroline Carberry QC previously told jurors that money may have been a motive, as Hoadley had drawn up a makeshift contract to get his hands on the £1 million savings and investments.
Asked if there were arguments about the money, Hoadley told police: “I would not say arguments. I tried to convince her, she was not happy to do it.”
“After a few phone calls I had to accept it. It was not easy. I had to move.”
Hoadley, of Willowfield Road, Eastbourne, denies murder.
The trial continues.
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