A MAN charged with murdering his wife in an alleged hammer attack at their home goes on trial next month.

The case of John Barry Garner, 51, was discussed in chambers at Mold Crown Court in front of trial judge, Judge Rhys Rowlands.

In February Garner formally entered a not guilty plea to a charge of murdering Teresa Garner, 46, in the bathroom of their home at Llys Dewi, Penyffordd, near Holywell, on October 24 last year.

The trial date was fixed for May 7 and the defence confirmed that the issue would be one of loss of control and lack of intent.

An inquest opening earlier heard that a post-mortem examination concluded Mrs Garner suffered severe head injuries said to be consistent with multiple hammer blows.