Attack accused had 'nightmares'

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A man accused of trying to kill his partner and their unborn child, told police he had daily nightmares after she was attacked, a jury has heard.

Simon Morris, 36, from Prestatyn, Denbighshire, allegedly tried to murder Nerys Price blaming it on intruders.

Mold crown Court heard how he claimed he saw a "silhouette", but was unable to stop the attack.

He denies attempted murder and attempted child destruction. The trial continues.

The prosecution claim Mr Morris tried to kill Ms Price with a hammer when she was 38 weeks pregnant.

It is alleged he wanted to inherit hundreds of thousands of pounds in insurance and set up life with another woman he was having an affair with.

Ms Price recovered from the attack and gave birth by Caesarean section.

The jury heard on Thursday how Mr Morris told police the couple were attacked in the early hours and he lay over Ms Price to protect her.

When police asked why Mr Morris - who is 6ft 6in tall - did not jump up and pursue the intruder, he said he was terrified and his instinct was to protect his partner.

In police interviews read to the jury, he said: "I have woken up with nightmares every day asking myself why I didn't I jump up.

"I was just scared. It has been hounding me every day since why I had reacted that way. I cannot explain it to you."

Portions of the interviews, which total more than 24 hours, were read to the jury by one of the prosecutors Simon Medland, and acting Detective Inspector Bob Alford.

In later interviews, Mr Morris said: "Surely you would have to hate someone to do something like this? There is no way in this world I would do something like that towards Nerys."

When told in interview that people had killed for less than wanting to start life with another woman, he replied: "There are sick people but I am not one of them.

"I have never hurt a woman. I am not violent."