A bank worker accused of murdering his wife with a crowbar 'deserved a medal' for ever putting up with her, his mother-in-law has told a court.

David Pomphret, 51, bludgeoned his wife Ann Marie, 49, after he finally 'snapped' from all the abuse he suffered, Liverpool Crown Court heard.

Pomphret, a technology expert with Barclays, struck her head more than 30 times at the stables they owned near the home they shared with their daughter Megan, 18.

He admits killing his wife on November 2, 2018, but denies murder on the grounds of a temporary loss of control.

Carol Buckley, the victim's mother, said in a statement read to the jury: 'David was an angel. He deserved a medal for putting up with Marie.

David Pomphret (left) bludgeoned his wife Ann Marie (right) after he finally 'snapped' from all the abuse he suffered, Liverpool Crown Court heard

'I could not have wished for a better son-in-law or dad for Megan.'

Ms Buckley said her daughter married the defendant in 1997 and they shared an interest in horses, describing her daughter as the 'driving force' in the relationship.

She also said her daughter could easily 'take the huff', blocking her on Facebook over something she had said.

Ms Buckley told how three years before her death she had been diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, which can affect a person's social skills.

Kenneth Crane, Ms Buckley's partner, said in a statement: 'Marie, I would describe as a Jekyll and Hyde character.

'She was like a volcano. She could erupt at any time without warning. I would describe David as a very quiet bloke. He would never talk or chat.'

On November 2, Pomphret rang 999 claiming to have found his wife lying in a pool of blood at the stables in Warrington, Cheshire

On November 2, Pomphret rang 999 claiming to have found his wife lying in a pool of blood at the stables in Warrington, Cheshire.

He told the call handler: 'There is brain and blood everywhere, and it looks like she has had her head beaten in.'

He was arrested the day after and protested his innocence before being released. He was re-arrested six months later and charged with murder.

A post-mortem examination concluded that his wife died from a violent assault, with severe head injuries caused by more than 30 blows to her head with a crowbar.

Gordon Cole, prosecuting, told the jury her death was not through a temporary loss of control by her husband but due to his 'loss of temper'.

The trial continues.