Boyfriend denies duck pond murder

Natalie Sexton's body was found in a village pond

A north Wales man accused of murdering his girlfriend by drowning her in a duck pond appeared at a relative's house drunk and soaking wet, a court has been told.

The body of Natalie Sexton, 31, was found in a pond alongside Gronant Road, Prestatyn.

At a hearing at Mold Crown Court on Monday, Paul Davies, 40, denied murdering Miss Sexton.

Police officers sealed off the scene

The jury was told the defendant's half sister Margaret Shields was waiting up with a friend, Joanne Barker, for him to return with his girlfriend on the night of 8 November.

Prosecutor Christopher Vosper QC said Mr Davies appeared before Ms Barker at the lounge window, "barely coherent, wet and could hardly stand".

He told Ms Barker that Ms Sexton was in bed asleep, but when Ms Barker asked him again, Mr Davies said she had run away to London with another man.

He (Davies) was complaining about his hand, saying that he had had a smash

Prosecutor Christopher Vosper

"It had been raining intermittently throughout the evening but he was so wet that he was leaving puddles where he stood," said Mr Vosper.

"She sent him to the bathroom to take off his wet clothing.

"He then re-appeared in the living room naked and she sent him to put on a red dressing gown."

Mr Vosper added: "He was complaining about his hand and saying that he had had a smash. He was not making much sense.

"Joanne Barker sent him to bed and she then woke Margaret Shields. They were both uncomfortable about the situation and concerned about where Natalie might be."

The court heard Davies was "wet and drunk"

In the morning, Ms Barker spotted three police officers outside the bungalow, who explained to her the body of a woman had been found in the duck pond.

Ms Barker woke Mr Davies to tell him the news and he began "mumbling and swearing".

Ms Barker said she wanted the police to return, but Mr Davies telephoned them himself.

Witness Clare Hodson said she was flagged down in her car and was told a body had been found in the pond.

Ms Hodson took a few steps into the water to see if she could help and saw the body, with a jacket nearby.

Defending, Mr Robert Fordham QC said the incident had been distressing and he praised Ms Hodson for being prepared to offer assistance.

The trial continues.