A Blackpool man accused of murdering his wife broke down as he told a jury today he could not remember hurting her.

Christopher Parkes insisted he would never have intended to hurt his wife Angela, but despite trying to recall, he simply could not remember the fatal incident.

The 49-year-old is on trial at Preston Crown Court where he denies murdering his 49-year-old wife at their home in Houseman Place, Blackpool, in May last year.

Giving evidence, he told the court he really wanted to remember what took place at the time.

"I have said since the start of all this happening that I would be hypnotised, doctors can drug me.

"It is for the children. Their lives have been destroyed and it might help them to gain strength".

Angela Parkes, a civil servant, died after suffering two stab wounds to the heart, as well as other wounds to the neck, chin and arms.

The court has heard the couple married in 1979 and went on to have three children.

The defendant said he adored his wife.

He said that on the date in May last year, his wife had said: "I'm not going out with you because you are slurring your words".

This was while he was at the bottom of the stairs and she was on the stairs at home.

The next thing he remembered was seeing his wife on the kitchen floor.

In response to questions from his counsel, Mr John Bromley-Davenport QC, Parkes shook his head to indicate he could not remember how she got there or using a knife.

"I can't remember," he added.

Mr Bromley-Davenport then asked him "Can you think whether you had any intent to harm or kill her?".

The defendant responded: "I can't remember hurting her.

"I would never intend to hurt Angela. I wouldn't want to hurt Angela for the world. I love her so much".

The defendant said he had tried every day to remember what happened.

Last night, before giving evidence, he thought he remembered, for the first time, Angela saying something about twenty pounds being missing.

He added that he could remember being in a police van after the events, but could not recall telling police at the station "I'm a murderer.

"I have murdered my wife".

The trial continues.