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A man is accused of leaving his severely obese partner wedged in the bath for 10 days before she died.

The man, named only as Guenter S, is accused of not helping his 23-stone wife, Simone, after she found herself stuck in the bathtub in their home in Beckum, Germany.

Rather than call for help, the 58-year-old is accused of providing her with snacks, drinks and her medication for more than a week and leaving her there.

When he finally called the emergency services 10 days later, they ruled that she had died 48 hours before they arrived.

Police confirmed they arrested the man on a charge of 'abandonment resulting in death'.

(Image: CEN)

A spokesman said police believe the woman would have been calling for help.

Public prosecutor, Ralf Hinkelmann, 45, said the defendant "left the victim helpless, ignoring her cries for help."

The defendant denies the charges.

He told local media: "She did not let herself be helped, mind your own business."

The incident happened on June, 14 2017 and Guenter reportedly told police he heard a bang from the bathroom, and found his wife fallen in the bath lying down.

He said: "She had hit the shelf on the head in the fall, shards were lying all around."

He said when he wanted to help his "sweetheart" out, she refused.

Guenter claims he then brought a mobile phone into the room, saying: "If you need help, get it yourself. You don't want it from me anyway."

Simone had allegedly refused help for days, making the bathtub "comfortable", playing on her tablet in warm water, while her husband brought her coffee and newspapers.

By the time the defendant called emergency services June 27, his wife had already been dead for at least two days. It is believed she died of pneumonia.

The case is due to continue in January.