Murder accused and wife 'led separate lives'

An interior designer and her hockey coach husband were living "almost separate lives" before he allegedly stabbed her to death at their home, a court has heard.

Egyptian national Mohamed Samak, 42, denies murdering his 49-year-old wife Joanne Samak on 1 July 2024.

Mrs Samak's mother, Penelope Vale, told Worcester Crown Court the couple, who lived with her, slept in separate rooms and that Mr Samak would often work away.

The court was also told that Mr Samak was "unhappy" with their relationship.

At the opening of the trial on Tuesday, the jury heard that Mr Samak claimed his wife was suffering with mental health and alcohol issues.

He claimed she had stabbed herself "repeatedly" before he found her slumped on a bed with a knife in her stomach at their home in Chestnut Spinney, Droitwich Spa.

But the prosecution said he killed her after becoming interested in another woman and experiencing financial difficulties.

Mrs Vale told the court Mr Samak would spend several evenings a week and weekends playing and coaching hockey.

Meanwhile Mrs Samak, who was the main breadwinner, would go to bed at about 20:00 as she would often wake at 05:00 for work and her job involved a lot of driving, so she did not see her husband much.

Mrs Vale said Mr Samak would "complain occasionally" that he and his wife did not sleep together and did not have a sexual relationship.

Asked by Mr Sandhu if her son-in-law had ever commented on how he was feeling about their relationship, Mrs Vale said he had told her was lonely, adding: "He was depressed, he was unhappy, they didn't sleep together."

When asked if her daughter had ever said she was lonely, Mrs Vale said: "She didn't ever admit it, no. She just said it is what it is.

"They didn't see much of each other and she accepted it."

Mrs Vale said she believed her daughter wanted more support at home and financially from her husband, but despite those issues, was happy and "absolutely" looking forward to the future.

She also said her daughter would drink wine socially and she had no concerns about the amount she was drinking, but that Mr Samak did not like that she consumed alcohol.

He had also allegedly told Mrs Vale he "couldn't understand" why his wife still wanted to see her friends after they were married.

In a statement, Joanne's best friend and colleague Caroline Edwards said she was not aware of any marital issues, or problems with her mental health or alcohol.

She said: "I know Jo would have told me if there were marital or mental health issues. We often had little moans about our other halves, but it was normal stuff, nothing that gave me concern.

"There were no financial issues that I was aware of, but I do know it all fell on Jo's shoulders. It did worry and annoy her from time to time, but she took it all in her stride."

The trial continues.

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