Wife stabbed 'after salsa rows'

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A pensioner stabbed his young Filipino wife five times after their marriage broke down following arguments about salsa dance classes, a court has heard.

Robert Brindley, 66, from Teignmouth in Devon, was "possessive and jealous" of his wife Precelos, aged "in her 20s" at the time, Exeter Crown Court has heard.

Mrs Brindley suffered several serious internal injuries, including both her lungs collapsing.

Mr Brindley denies one count of attempted murder on 1 June 2008.

The court was told that the couple met when they were working for the same firm in the Philippines in the 1990s, and in December 2000 they had a son.

After Mr Brindley's cancer recurred, they moved to Teignmouth so he could receive medical treatment.

'Incredible pain'

Prosecutor Andrew Oldland said Mrs Brindley started taking salsa dance lessons and this caused arguments between the pair.

Mr Oldland said that Mr Brindley shouted at his wife: "If I see you with any other men I am going to kill you."

Mrs Brindley asked for a separation and on 1 June 2008 and demanded her husband leave their home immediately.

The jury was told that he took his son to his elderly mother's house, before returning to find he was locked out of his home.

After saying he needed some medication, Mrs Brindley let him in and, after a few minutes, he went upstairs with the kitchen knife and sat behind her, the court heard.

Mr Oldland said the next thing Mrs Brindley felt was "incredible pain" in her upper back.

When interviewed by police, Mr Brindley claimed he had "automatically" stuck the knife in to his wife after she taunted and humiliated him, jurors heard.

He said he stabbed her further times to "shut her up" because she would not stay still and quiet while he phoned for an ambulance.

The trial continues.