A civil servant addicted to gambling ran over his wife in an attempt to kill her to avoid losing everything in their divorce, a court has heard.

Martin Hewlett, 45, knocked estranged wife Anne, 36, off her bicycle in Worthing, West Sussex, then drove back over her body, leaving her for dead.

Hove Crown Court was told Mrs Hewlett was badly injured and would be in a wheelchair for the rest of her life.

Mr Hewlett, of Guildford Road, Worthing, denies attempted murder.

Prosecutor Richard Barton told the court Mr Hewlett stole the van and used it as a weapon against his wife as she rode home late at night on 29 February, 2008.

More on this story from BBC News

Related articles by Zemanta

• Couple who tried to kill mother to claim inheritance to be sentenced (telegraph.co.uk)