Former hockey coach accused of murdering wife after alleged affair and financial struggles

Ex-hockey coach Mohamed Samak is on trial for allegedly stabbing his wife to death, claiming she took her own life.

Former hockey coach Mohamed Samak, 42, is on trial for allegedly murdering his wife, Joanne Samak, 49, at their home in Droitwich Spa in July 2024. 

Prosecutors argue that Samak killed Joanne after falling for another woman and experiencing financial difficulties.

The court heard that Joanne was found with six stab wounds, including a fatal one to her chest. Despite claiming his wife took her own life, Samak waited over an hour before calling 999. Prosecutor Harpreet Sandhu KC described the defendant’s account as a "pack of lies," accusing him of portraying Joanne as an alcoholic struggling with mental health to justify his version of events.

Joanne’s family and friends refuted Samak’s claims, describing her as happy, excited about her new interior design business, and making plans for her 50th birthday. Prosecutors also revealed that Joanne had spoken to friends about marital difficulties, saying she wanted to divorce Samak but felt he "would not survive" in the UK without her.

Samak had allegedly been in contact with another woman, Fadila Fadou, and their messages suggested a romantic connection. Prosecutors claimed he had an interest in Joanne's life insurance and pension, citing financial concerns as a potential motive.

When police arrived, Samak reportedly showed no signs of attempting to help his wife, and paramedics concluded she had been dead for some time.

Prosecutors argued that Joanne, who "had everything to live for," was killed by a husband who was already planning his future with someone else. The trial is ongoing.