LAWYERS defending Skegby murder suspect Peter Smith have sought to deny claims that their client was in serious financial debt.
Prosecutors had previously told Nottingham Crown Court how Smith owed thousands of pounds and had brutally killed his neighbour Hilda Owen in a desperate bid to solve his dire financial situation.
Civil servant Smith (44), of West Hill, denies murdering Hilda sometime between 26th February and 1st March 2007 at her West Hill home.
The 12 man jury hearing the case were told how Smith owed £104,558 in credit card bills, loan re-payments, hire purchase agreements and the remainder of his mortgage.
The debt included £20,505 to Natwest for a personal loan, £6,340 to former partner Adam Dixon and a £73,000 mortgage.
But Peter Mann QC, defending, told the court that Smith was coping with his debt: "Clearly Mr Smith needed to tighten his belt and watch his expenditure but his circumstances were far from dire.
"His bank account remained in the black and there were no black marks against him or his credit rating. He did have a debt, but he was servicing it and he was never refused credit upon applications.
"Adam Dixon continued to make contributions to the mortgage, he was also getting occasional payments of £200 a week from a friend for personal services and £247 a month in grants for helping Hilda."
The case continues...
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