Couple did not argue over money, murder trial told

Joanne Samak was found with six stab wounds, one penetrating her breast bone and hitting her heart

A man accused of murdering his wife has told a court that they did not argue over money and she had never complained to him about her being the main breadwinner.

Ex-international hockey player Mohamed Samak, 43, has denied murdering his wife, 49-year-old Joanne Samak, who died from multiple stab wounds in Droitwich Spa on 1 July 2024.

Mr Samak took to the stand to be questioned by his defence barrister, Mr John Jones KC, at Worcester Crown Court on Wednesday.

He said he had no knowledge of any life assurance policies, and left financial matters to his wife, including the bills.

The court heard that Mrs Samak had reportedly complained to friends that she was the main breadwinner in the house, but Mr Samak said she had never made those comments to him, and that she had been very supportive of his hockey career.

When asked about his financial situation around the time of his wife's death, Mr Samak told the court he did not have any debts.

Mr Jones asked why he had contacted a company called My Debt Plan, and the defendant replied that he just wanted some advice about his finances.

Mr Samak was also questioned about £170,000 that had been given to his wife by her mother towards purchasing their home, and whether he was aware that he could benefit financially in any way from the sale of the property.

In response, he said he understood that the money would go to his wife.

Mr Jones also asked the defendant about his wife's drinking.

Mr Samak said he had noticed an increase in the amount of alcohol consumed by her at the start of 2023, and raised it with her. However, he added that they did not argue about it.

He said she had commented herself that she needed to stop drinking too much.

At times, he said, he would come home from work to find empty bottles and had asked friends about alcoholism.

On Tuesday, the court heard that Mrs Samak's blood had been found on some of Mr Samak's clothing in the loft of the family home on 10 October.

A forensic pathologist, Dr Alexander Kolar, earlier told the court that Mrs Samak's injuries "could" have been self inflicted.

He also said a third party could have been involved had she been restrained or unconscious at the time of the incident.

The trial continues.