A metal sculptor who killed his wife in a vicious hammer attack was described as being 'pale' but 'calm' after the event.

Thomas Crompton, who killed wife Angela, made no attempt to flee as police arrived.

The 39-year-old told his workmate that he was sorry and that he loved his wife as he was led away by officers, a court heard yesterday.

The father-of-two admits the killing, but denies murdering the mother-of-three on June 11 this year at their home in Arminghall Lane, Arminghall.

Yesterday his workmate, Bjorn Fiskvatn, told Norwich Crown Court that the pressures in the newly-wed couple's relationship had been building up over time and Crompton believed his wife had mental health problems.

Karim Kahlil QC, defending, said: 'There was a real strain in the relationship which seemed to be rooted in what he [Crompton] thought was either a personality problem or mental health problem in the background.'

On the day of the killing Mr Fiskvatn said he sensed there had been 'some kind of conflict' between the couple.

Over lunch by the workshop in Cromptons' garden, he asked the father-of-two if he was okay, to which he replied: 'No, not really.'

That afternoon Crompton went into the house to make a cup of tea.

Mr Fiskvatn saw him come out and go to the workshop and then return to the house again.

The next time he saw him, Crompton was standing in front of him with a blood-stained hammer and confessed to the killing.

Mr Fiskvatn said Crompton was strangely calm, but very pale.

He called the police and PC Andy Barkway arrived at Manor Farm Cottages in the village, south of Norwich.

The policeman, who found Crompton in the garden, told the court: 'When I first saw him he appeared very calm. He was very still.

'He said, 'I've done something really bad. I've hit my wife with a hammer'.

Angela Crompton died in Addenbrooke's hospital in Cambridge on June 13, two days after the attack. The trial continues.

tom.bristow@archant.co.uk