A CHEF accused of murdering his ex-wife has told the Old Bailey she was already dead when he went to burgle her house.

Adam Mann, aged 29, of Springfield Road, Welling, denies killing Lisa Beverley at her home in Coupland Place, Plumstead, last September.

Mann claimed that 30-year-old Miss Beverley had asked him to break into her home and steal some belongings as part of a staged robbery to get money from insurance. But he told jurors that when he got there she was already dead.

The court has heard that he burgled the house anyway and left without calling emergency services.

Prosecution barrister Jeremy Donne said: “Did you hit her on the back of the head in front of the windows, taking her by surprise?”

Mann replied: “No, she was already on the floor when I walked in.”

Mr Donne asked Mann: “Her body being dragged in front of the sofa, she is then struck again with the hammer. Were you trying to finish her off?”

“Did you then go upstairs searching for mobile phones?

“Did you wash your face and the murder weapon and when you came downstairs did you realise that she was still breathing?

“Did you go into the kitchen, take a knife and stab her twice in the throat?

“Did you then wrap that towel tight round her face?”

Mann replied no to all the questions.

The barrister said: “Mr Mann, you killed your ex-wife because you were angry.

“When you went to the house, I don't know if you intended to kill her. Did she get in your face? Did she say hit me? Did you take up that challenge?

Mann said: “No she was already on the floor when I went in.”

Mr Donne hit back: “You’re a killer Mr Mann and a liar.”

Mann replied: “I might be a liar but I’m no killer.”

Meanwhile, Elizabeth Kilgallon, aged 27, of Springfield Road, Welling, denies perverting the course of justice.

The trial continues.