Lake accused told police of row

Mrs Park's body was found in Coniston Water

The man accused of murdering his wife in the "Lady in the Lake" trial told police he had to "restrain" her, a court has heard.

Gordon Park said his wife Carol threw furniture and "screamed around the room" at their home in Cumbria.

Mr Park, 60, of Barrow, denies killing Mrs Park, then aged 30, and dumping her body in Coniston Water in 1976.

On Thursday, Manchester Crown Court heard of a police interview after Mr Park was arrested in January 2004.

Carol Park's body was found by divers in 1997, 21 years after she went missing.

She was found trussed up and wearing only a baby doll nightdress.

Gordon Park denies murdering his wife, Carol

Mrs Park had been having an affair with another man and had decided to leave her husband after returning to the family home for just a week, the court heard.

When discussing the arrangements Mrs Park became "irrational", Mr Park told officers.

"She worked herself up and became hysterical. She lost control and started shouting and yelling.

"She was angry at me. I thought I would restrain her, which I did, by holding her arms."

Mr Park says his wife calmed down when other people began to arrive at the house. She later left the home with her lover and Mr Park continued to live on his own with their children, the court was told.

The case continues.