Julie 'feared estranged husband would kill her' - court

Drinking acquaintance John Monroe said Julie (41) was “petrified” of going to court over an alleged assault on her by George Gallagher, known as Juddy, who now stands accused of her murder.

“She said he would kill her,” Mr Monroe told a jury at Sheffield Crown Court.

“She said if she went to court she was scared Juddy would kick off and that he would kill her.”

Mr Monroe’s wife Kim said Julie had told her she was frightened he would kill her after previously hitting her and putting her in hospital.

“She said he had said that if he went to prison, he would get her whether he was inside or out,” Mrs Monroe said.

George Gallagher (55), of Eldon Road, Eastwood, denies stabbing Julie to death at her terraced house in Foljambe Road, Eastwood, last march.

The trial continues.