A FATHER has denied murdering his ex-wife after she turned up at his home to sign some property documents.

Ernest Davenport, aged 65, of Rectory Lane, Bury, pleaded not guilty when he appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today.

A 999 call was played to the jury in which the defendant said: "I think I've killed my wife."

The trial earlier heard how police officers were called to the house in Rectory Lane on April 14 this year, where they found the body of 64-year-old Susan Davenport.

She had suffered stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard how Mrs Davenport had visited the former family home to sign some documents relating to the sale of the property.

Prosecuting, Alaric Bassano QC said she had arranged to text her partner Chris Brenneis when she had arrived. Mrs Davenport never made that text.

The court was told that, about three hours after her arrival, Davenport made the 999 call.

Davenport has admitted manslaughter, but denied murder. The trial is expected to last at least three days.