A Fairbourne pensioner accused of killing his wife on Christmas Day will not give evidence at his trial.

The case for the defence started today at Caernarfon Crown Court where Thomas Bryan, 75, is accused of murdering Vivienne Bryan, 74, at their bungalow on Francis Avenue on Christmas Day 2019.

The prosecution say Mr Bryan intended to kill his wife after an argument about alcohol.

Bryan denies murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter.

Prosecutor Gordon Cole QC said the defendant used “quite a large knife” which he stuck “into the neck of his wife”.

The court heard there was an argument over Mr Bryan’s drinking.

Ian Unsworth QC, defending, said it was a “truly tragic” case: “It is not in issue that Thomas Bryan caused the knife wound to Vivienne.”

However, he said there was ‘a history’ which included Mrs Bryan holding a knife to her husband while he slept.

He also told the court Mr Bryan would not give evidence at the trial and no further evidence will be called.

The jury has been released until Monday when the trial will continue.