A property developer strangled his wife during a drunken row at their £3million Sandbanks home after she filed for divorce over his affair, a court has heard. Paul Pressland, 63, denies intentionally strangling Gemma Martin, 52, at their Dorset property in December 2024, claiming he acted in self-defence, while prosecutors say the attack left her fearing for her life following a Sunday roast dinner with family.

Salisbury Crown Court heard the couple argued after guests left, having earlier enjoyed a "light-hearted" family meal, when Pressland confronted his wife about the divorce filing, which cited his adultery. Ms Martin said he pushed her, punched her ribs and back, then pinned her against an en-suite door and squeezed her throat until her vision blurred and eyes "bulged" before letting go after roughly five seconds. She initially agreed not to report the incident if he granted a divorce, but two days later told police online after asking her son to photograph her bruises; she also had the locks changed at the harbourside home while Pressland was away in London. The trial continues.