A husband accused of bludgeoning his wife to death told police she had asked him to move out because he was suffering from coronavirus, a court heard today.

Hussein Egal, 65, allegedly murdered 57-year-old Maryan Ismail at their Plevna Road flat in Edmonton, north London on April 6.

Ms Ismail was pronounced dead, having suffered multiple serious injuries.

Egal appeared in court via a video link from HMP Belmarsh wearing a light brown top and sat with arms folded throughout the hearing as an interpreter relayed proceedings to him.

Hussein Egal, 65, allegedly murdered Maryan Ismail, 57, at their Plevna Road flat in Edmonton, north London on April 6. He appeared in court via a video link from custody in HMP Belmarsh

With help from an interpreter, the defendant confirmed his identity to the court.

Concerned neighbours contacted police some time after 6pm, the Old Bailey heard.

Prosecutor Jonathan Polnay said: ‘When police went to the defendant’s flat, they found his wife.

‘She was dead and had been for some time.

‘She had suffered multiple serious injuries. The defendant was interviewed under caution. He stated his wife had asked him to move out as he was suffering from coronavirus.’

Egal is charged with murder and has been remanded in custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing on June 14.

Judge Katz set a plea and case management hearing for June 30.