Jávea murder was 'accident', says husband
Woman 'fell and hit her head', claims man who stands accused of killing wife with saucepan in front of their little boys
FAMILY members of a mum-oftwo beaten to death with a saucepan shouted 'murderer' and 'coward' at her husband as he told a judge she had 'fallen and hit her head'.
Jávea residents and, in particular, the local Muslim community were left reeling last March when 43-year-old Hanane was bludgeoned by her husband in front of her mother and their sons aged seven and 10.
The family, who are Moroccan, have lived in Jávea for many years and the boys go to local schools.
Mouine B. told the magistrate Hanane accidentally slipped and banged her head against a table, causing her death.
On hearing this, Hanane's relatives erupted in anger and her sister left the courtroom in floods of tears.
Hanane had reportedly reproached Mouine B. on the day of her death for refusing to help her carry the grocery shopping upstairs to their apartment, although it is also thought she had gone to the supermarket 'without his permission' and he had followed her.
During the row that ensued, Mouine B. smashed her re- peatedly over the head after dragging her into the bedroom, hitting her so hard that the saucepan broke in two and her skull and face were totally disfigured.
Hanane's mother ran out of the house calling for help and ringing for an ambulance.
The victim survived long enough to be taken to hospital and operated on, but died soon afterwards.
Her killer is facing a trial by a jury made up of two men and seven women in Alicante court, which started on Tuesday this week.