Heiress ex 'had violent history'

Ms Healey's body was found naked in her bedroom at home

A jobless man who strangled the daughter of a multi-millionaire businessman had been aggressive towards her in the past, a court has been told.

The mother of Suzy Healey told Hull Crown Court her daughter had been left with bumps on her head and arm after rows with Richard George Holtby.

The daughter of Hygena Kitchens millionaire Malcolm Healey was found dead at her East Yorkshire home.

Mr Holtby, 38, from South Cave, denies murder but has admitted manslaughter.

'Very aggressive'

Carole Londesbrough told Hull Crown Court that her daughter had been "smacked" by boyfriend Mr Holtby.

But she later said she had never been told that directly by her daughter.

She told the court the couple had often argued and was asked if she had become aware of Mr Holtby hurting her daughter.

She said: "I think they had a few arguments.

"Suzy did say he got quite, I don't think she said violent, he got very bad tempered with her.

"Very aggressive towards her I think she said."

Ms Londesbrough went on to tell the jury of two incidents where her daughter had been "smacked".

Mother's 'interpretation'

She said: "I did notice a bump on her head. Suzy said that it was when they had had an argument and another time she got a bump on her arm or something like that."

Under cross-examination, Ms Londesbrough admitted her daughter had never spoken to her directly about acts of violence, but said it was her "interpretation" of what had happened.

Asked if any violence was mentioned she said: "I think that's what she meant really. She said he didn't know his own strength or something."

Ms Healey's accountant Jame Oldfield told the hearing she had been asked to draw up a cohabitation contract for the couple, preventing either claiming a share of the other's property. It was never finalised as the couple split up.

The court was told Miss Healey's country house, Ellerker Hall, had been valued at £1.9m.

Ms Oldfield said: "George was surprised. It was too small (the amount)."

Mr Holtby, known as George to his friends, had listed his assets as a piano and a small pension plan.

The trial continues.