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Sandbanks developer cleared of strangling wife
Property developer Paul Pressland cleared of strangling ex-wife Gemma Martin in bathroom row over divorce wish list.
In brief
Property developer Paul Pressland cleared of strangling ex-wife Gemma Martin in bathroom row over divorce wish list. Paul Pressland, 63, was cleared of strangling his 'Amazonian' wife Gemma Martin during a heated argument over their £3m divorce in Poole, Dorset. Originally reported by Dailymail.
Paul Pressland cleared of strangling wife
Sandbanks property developer Paul Pressland, 63, was cleared of strangling his 'Amazonian' wife Gemma Martin during a heated argument over their divorce in their £3million mansion.
Wish list details
Gemma Martin drew up a handwritten divorce wish list including a £1m home, £60,000 annual salary, and £35,000 Range Rover for her two sons.
Alleged strangling incident
The prosecution alleged Mr Pressland squeezed Gemma's neck until her eyes 'bulged' during a heated argument in their en suite bathroom on December 1, 2024.
Defense claim
Mr Pressland claimed he acted in self-defense after Gemma struck him with her slipper, grabbed his hair, and tussled with him in the bathroom.
Wife's account
Gemma described feeling overpowered, unable to breathe, and experiencing a panic attack after Mr Pressland released her from the tussle.
Jury verdict
A jury spent one hour deliberating before finding Mr Pressland not guilty of strangling his wife in Salisbury Crown Court.
Marriage timeline
The couple married in 2022 after meeting in 2014, with Gemma seeking divorce in 2024 on grounds of adultery.
Wine incident
Mr Pressland admitted to drinking wine while cooking for a Sunday roast dinner with Gemma's parents, with five bottles consumed by six people over five hours.
Wife's injury claim
Gemma claimed she suffered neck marks from Mr Pressland's actions, but he suggested they were from a wetsuit worn during a charity swim that day.
Self-defense defense
Mr Pressland stated he did not use excessive force and acted to defend himself against Gemma, who he described as a fit and strong woman who did boxing and personal training.
Post-verdict statement
Mr Pressland expressed relief at being cleared but regretted the impact on his ex-stepsons, stating he put his faith in the jury system to find the truth.
Divorce timeline
Gemma filed divorce paperwork before Mr Pressland was informed, which he discovered from an 'office gossip' after the incident.
Family context
The couple hosted Gemma's parents for a Sunday roast dinner at their Poole, Dorset home before the incident occurred on December 1, 2024.
Wife's description
Gemma was described as 'Amazonian' by her estranged husband, who noted she was fit, did boxing, and personal training.
Wish list items
Gemma's divorce wish list included a £1m home, £60,000 annual salary, £35,000 Range Rover, and vehicles for her two sons.
Jury deliberation
The jury spent one hour deliberating before finding Mr Pressland not guilty of strangling his wife in Salisbury Crown Court.
Here's the gist
Paul Pressland, 63, was cleared of strangling his 'Amazonian' wife Gemma Martin during a heated argument over their £3m divorce in Poole, Dorset.
