Sandbanks developer accused of strangling wife after divorce dispute
A Salisbury Crown Court trial heard that Paul Pressland allegedly strangled his wife Gemma Martin during a heated argument after she filed for divorce.
During a trial at Salisbury Crown Court, prosecutors alleged that 63-year-old property developer Paul Pressland strangled his 52-year-old wife Gemma Martin after a family Sunday roast at their Sandbanks residence. Pressland had consumed a large amount of red wine and, after guests left, confronted Martin about her divorce filing, which he learned of through a friend. According to the prosecution, the argument escalated, leading Pressland to pin Martin against an en-suite bathroom door and apply pressure to her throat, causing her to fear for her life.
Martin later contacted police online, providing photographs of bruises taken by her son. Pressland denies intentional strangulation, asserting the act was in self-defence, and the trial remains ongoing.
Why it matters
The trial highlights domestic violence issues and legal challenges surrounding self-defence claims in violent disputes.
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