British man bludgeoned girlfriend before sleeping next to body, prosecutors say

A British man bludgeoned his girlfriend to death with a lump hammer before spending the night sleeping next to her body in bed, a court has heard.

WARNING: GRAPHIC DETAILS

James D'Arcy is accused of killing hairdresser Hayley Dean with a hammer, causing blunt force head injuries, skull fractures, multiple cuts to her scalp and forehead, and injuries to her right hand.

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Ms Dean was found in bed at her apartment in Bournemouth last September.

During a graphic account of what allegedly occurred, the court was told how her head was under the pillow, with an unlit cigarette in her lips and a lighter still in her hand.

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A lump hammer was also found under the pillow of the bed in which she lay.

The next day, according to prosecutors, D'Arcy told a friend: "I have done something bad. I have killed my missus.

"I wrapped a duvet over her head before I hit her with a sledgehammer. She is dead, I have slept with her all night.

"I definitely done it, there's blood all up the wall."

D'Arcy admits killing the 38-year-old, but denies murder, claiming his responsibility was diminished by his alcoholism.

The court heard that when the 50-year-old was taken to the police by his friend he told them: "I killed my girlfriend, I smashed her head in.

"I pummeled her head into a pizza. She will never f--- with anyone again."

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