Tractor murder trial nearing end

Jane Wilson knew about her husband's affair, the court was told

The judge in the trial of a man accused of killing his wife - who was found dead under a tractor - will sum up on Wednesday before sending out the jury.

Farmer Robert Wilson, 40, denies murdering his wife Jane, 53, at their farm in Kirkandrews-on-Eden, near Carlisle, last December.

He said he felt a bump under his tractor as he was reversing in a barn.

He rejected claims that he killed his wife because he was in debt and wanted to start a new life with his mistress.

'Sexual appetites'

The jury was told that Mrs Wilson was aware he was having an affair, and just asked that he was discreet about it.

Mr Wilson said the couple were still close, even though they had different sexual appetites.

He admitted that he was about £300,000 in debt at the time of her death, but said he was not too worried as his assets were worth about £900,000.

Brian Cummings QC, prosecuting, described Mr Wilson as a devious and accomplished liar who had murdered his wife before, or by, running over her head in his tractor.

Joanna Greenberg QC for the defence said the prosecution had failed to show that her death was anything other than a tragic accident and urged the jury to remember they could not convict if they had any reasonable doubt.