A YOUNG mother was murdered by her "possessive and controlling" husband when he swung a hammer at least ten times at her head as she lay in bed, a jury was told this morning.

Danish Irfan fled the country on a false passport after killing Ridda Zanab at their home in Alford Terrace, Lidget Green, Bradford, on November 3 last year.

Bradford Crown Court heard that Irfan, 22, remained in Pakistan until telling the authorities he was returning to the UK. He was arrested at Heathrow Airport on February 22.

Irfan has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Mrs Zanab, 21, but denies her murder.

Prosecutor Jonathan Sharp told the court that Irfan killed his wife after reading a text message she had sent to another man, saying: "I love you, mwahhh, good night."

Mr Sharp said it would not be disputed that Irfan killed Mrs Zanab.

The jury would have to consider why he did it, what was acting on his mind at the time.

The trial continues.