Wife says spouse 'knifed himself'

Roger Osliffe suffered a stab wound

A college lecturer accused of murdering her husband claimed he stabbed himself, a court has heard.

Catherine Osliffe, from Whalley, near Clitheroe, Lancashire, denies killing her husband Roger, in June 2004, a week after their return from honeymoon.

Preston Crown Court heard on Tuesday how Mrs Osliffe told paramedics and police that her husband had driven the knife into his own heart.

It is alleged the pair had argued over who had sent Mrs Osliffe flowers.

I need an ambulance fast. He's put a knife through himself Catherine Osliffe's 999 call

The court heard how the couple, who had a "stormy and volatile" relationship, got married on 30 April, 2004.

The jury were shown the "heavy duty kitchen knife" allegedly used in the attack on 6 June, a week after their honeymoon, and heard a recording of Mrs Osliffe's 999 call.

During the call, Mrs Osliffe told the operator: "I need an ambulance fast. He's put a knife through himself."

Pc Andrew Lang, who interviewed Mrs Osliffe after her husband had gone to Blackburn Royal Infirmary where he died, said she was in an "agitated state" and "kept asking to speak to Mr Osliffe."

The court heard that the couple had argued over a bouquet of flowers given to Mrs Oscliffe because her husband would not accept they were from her mother.

'Cath's done it'

Michael Shorrock, QC, prosecuting, said Mrs Osliffe took the flowers downstairs before returning to the bedroom where she stabbed her husband once.

Paramedic David Mansell who attended the 999 call, said in a statement read to the court: "I asked Mr osliffe 'why have you stabbed yourself?', and he said 'I didn't'.

"I said 'We were of the impression that you stabbed yourself. Who did stab you?'

"He said 'Cath's done it."'

The trial continues.