A property investor and entrepreneur is currently standing trial accused of trying to run over and kill his wife so that he could collect on a life insurance policy worth £500,000.
While giving evidence to Worcester Crown Court, Chloe Hollins, aged 40, explained how her husband Michael Hollins bought bed and breakfast properties and flats for rent as part of his business.
She described how, while she was walking with her dog in a country road close to their family home in Breinton, Hereford, in July 2008 she heard a vehicle approaching from behind. She tried to get out of the way by standing on a verge but the vehicle, a Land Rover, drove at her, knocking her down. The pet was killed.
As a result Mrs Hollins spent weeks in hospital recovering from two pelvis fractures and a broken leg.
The jury heard that investigations subsequently discovered Michael Hollins was allegedly having affairs with other women and that a police expert found evidence on his laptop of him discussing murder methods in an online chatroom.
The prosecution also maintained that the finances of the defendant were in a dire situation.
Michael Hollins, now of Northampton, denies attempted murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
The trial continues.
• Police who decided to raid a rented property in Epsom, Surrey, after being contacted by the landlord discovered he was right to be suspicious as his house had been turned into a cannabis factory.
Around £250 plants with an estimated street value of £50,000 were found in five different rooms together with the electrical paraphernalia needed to cultivate them.
An electrical engineer called in to isolate the power supply found the wiring that had been set up was so haphazard and dangerous that there was a high risk of a fire breaking out.
The landlord is now working with police officers to help identify the ‘tenants’ who took over the house.
