'Harakiri bid of murder suspect'

A man murdered his wife of 35 years before attempting to kill himself using the Japanese suicide ritual of harakiri, a court heard today.

Joseph Mansoor, 68, hit his wife Yona, 60, more than 30 times on the head with two hammers before slitting her throat, it is alleged. One of the hammer heads came off with the force of the blows.

Then, in a "flood of guilt," he tore open his shirt and stabbed himself in the stomach. One of their sons came across the "truly horrific" scene at their home in Stamford Hill in December 2002, the Old Bailey was told. Mansoor, covered in blood and close to death, was airlifted to hospital.

The prosecution says the motive remains a mystery but the attack showed "a massive loss of temper".

When interviewed by police Mansoor claimed an intruder was responsible for his wife's death and his injuries. He denies murder.

The trial continues.