Accused husband 'happy' with wife

Jaspal Marsh was stabbed repeatedly in her bedroom

A man accused of his wife's murder told detectives he loved her and wanted to be with her "forever," a jury has heard.

Jaspal Marsh, 36, was killed at her home in Gorseinon, Swansea, by husband Stephen's lover, Rebecca Harris, 30.

Mr Marsh denies persuading Harris to carry out the killing.

Swansea Crown Court heard on Thursday how Mr Marsh, who had affairs with four women, told detectives after his arrest that he "was happy at home".

The jury heard how Mr Marsh said: "She (Harris) knew how much I loved Jas. She was going to be my wife forever.

"It would crucify me to lose Jas. I rely on her completely. I am hoping it was a random burglary that went wrong."

The prosecution allege Mr Marsh planned his wife's murder by sending her a text message saying he would be late home and asking her to leave the front door unlocked.

Stephen Marsh denies being involved in his wife's murder

He then spent the evening in a Swansea city centre pub.

Harris, who has admitted murder claiming Mr Marsh "brainwashed" her, entered the house and stabbed Mrs Marsh repeatedly.

The jury was told of dozens of text messages that passed between Harris and Mr Marsh on the night of the murder.

Some were sent within 60 seconds of each other but at one stage there was a 28 minute gap in communications.

The trial continues.