A Trowbridge woman accused of murdering her partner had hoped the pair could have a fresh start after they’d endured a turbulent relationship, Bristol Crown Court heard yesterday.

The jury were read a series of text messages between Louise Jane Cox, 45 , of Newtown, and Ian Graham, 51, of Beaufort Mansions, Stallard Street, including the last one she sent to him on November 19, last year, a day before he died.

Mr Graham died in the early hours of November 20 following a fatal stab wound to the chest which he suffered at his studio apartment following a drinking session with Cox and his friend Ian Hungerford.

Colin Meeke, prosecuting, read the court Cox’s texts and DC Ed Russell read Mr Graham’s.

Mr Meeke, read Cox’s last text to Mr Graham, which said: “Lets make a fresh start, no more games, I love you but do you really love me Ian?”

On Friday, the court, overseen by Neil Ford QC, heard that the couple, who started going out in the middle of last year, had briefly broken up reconciling the day before Mr Graham died.

Mr Meeke and DC Russell read abusive and insulting texts, filled with expletives, which the pair had sent to each other between October 31 and November 19.

In some, Mr Graham had said he wished Cox would die and also stated he’d like to have sex with her mother and daughter.

DC Russell, reading Mr Graham’s texts, said: “The best thing you could do for your kids is die.”

During the exchanges, which would often include texts where the couple would insult each other and also declare their love for one another, Cox threatened to delete Mr Graham’s number.

“I will be paying you a visit soon and the punishment you’ve got coming won’t last long,” said Mr Meeke, reading Cox’s text.

“I will never look at you again without wanting to cut you open after what you have said about my family.”

Mr Graham died after suffering, one 3cm injury to his neck and a fatal 12cm injury to his chest which went through an artery at around 4.20am on November 20. Police officers arrived at the flat at 4.30am and found a bloody kitchen knife and Cox had left the flat by this time with Mr Hungerford trying to aid his stricken friend.

Mr Graham was taken to Royal United Hospital, Bath, for treatment but was pronounced dead at 5.27am.

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

The case continues today.