The trial into the murder of Trowbridge man Ian Graham began today at Bristol Crown.

Mr Graham, 51, died at his home, in Beaufort Mansions, Stallard Street, in the early hours of November 20, last year, following a fatal stab wound.

His girlfriend Louise Jane Cox, 45, of Newtown is charged with his murder.

In his opening address, Michael Fitton, prosecuting, told the court, overseen by judge Neil Ford QC, that Cox, Mr Graham and mutual friend Ian Hungerford had been drinking alcohol at the one bedroom flat on November 19 through to the next day.

Mr Fitton said: "Our case is that she killed Ian Graham by stabbing him, we say deliberately, we say unlawfully and at least to cause him real serious injury - if not to kill him."

Mr Fitton said that on November 19, Mr Hungerford had helped Mr Graham carry a bed base, which they'd removed from a skip into his home.

"Mr Hungerford talked with the pair about their relationship and they started drinking into the early hours," said Mr Fitton.

"Mr Hungerford spent some time in the bathroom and when he came out he saw Ian Graham holding his neck and blood was spurting from it and Louise Cox was behind him."

A 999 call was made at around 4.20am but Cox and Mr Hungerford didn't know the address of the flat and struggled communicating with call centre staff.

Police officers arrive at 4.30am and found a bloody kitchen knife and Mr Fitton said Cox had left the flat by this time.

Mr Graham had suffered two knife wounds, one a 3cm injury to his neck and another 12cm injury to his neck which had gone through an artery into his left lung.

"The paramedics came in and did what they could taking him to Royal United Hospital, Bath, but tragically he was past the point of medical help," said Mr Fitton.

"You'll hear from Dr White there was no prospect of Mr Graham recovering from his injury."

Cox was found sitting on a bench at 4.40am on November 20 and arrested under the suspicion of attempted murder - later being charged with murder.

Mr Fitton told the jury, of nine women and three men, that seven hours after being arrested a urine sample was taken from her which showed she was still around one-and-a-half times over the legal drink/drive limit.

A blood sample taken from Mr Graham during his post mortem examination showed he was four times over the drink/drive limit at the time of his death.

The case continues.