Man denies murdering his fiancee

Ms Townsend's body was found in a Land Rover in Essex

An 18-stone businessman with a "volcanic" temper killed his fiancee by running her over in a Land Rover after a row, Ipswich Crown Court has heard.

Christopher Caunter, 36, of Hullbridge, Essex, denies murdering 35-year-old Deborah Townsend near Lowestoft, Suffolk, in July 2005.

Karim Khalil QC, prosecuting, said forensic evidence showed Ms Townsend was walking away when he drove at her.

The court heard she was killed instantly and the case continues.

Mr Khalil said witnesses told of a row between the couple: "It seems she must have got out of the Land Rover voluntarily or otherwise.

"He drove into her from behind, knocking her to the floor and injuring her legs in such a way that she could not walk off.

"He then reversed that Land Rover over her head. She was killed instantly."

'Extremely violent'

Mr Khalil said Mr Caunter ran a firm hiring labour to building companies and was being investigated by tax inspectors following allegations of "financial irregularities" when Ms Townsend died.

He likened Mr Caunter's temper to a volcano and said the businessman used his strength to overcome people who "stood in his way".

Jurors were told that the hearing was a re-trial. Last November another jury failed to reach verdicts.

Mr Caunter's brother Robert Caunter, 39, of Barking, Essex, and friend Joseph Brown, 39, of Romford, Essex, deny assisting an offender in connection with the case.

Mr Caunter lived with Ms Townsend in Bromley, south east London.