Drumchapel man in court charged with wife's murder

A Drumchapel man has appeared in court charged with murdering his wife.

Peter Maher is alleged to have killed 51 year-old Jeanna Maher at her home in Drumchapel, Glasgow last September 26.

Prosecutors claim Mrs Maher – an Asda supermarket worker - had her wrists and ankles bound with ligatures before being repeatedly struck with a mallet or similar item.

Maher did not enter a plea during a short hearing at the High Court in Glasgow.

His QC Brian McConnachie said a doctor had met with Maher and was of the opinion that the 57 year-old was “seriously psychiatrically unwell”.

He added: “The Crown are in agreement that there has to be an assessment in this matter.”

Lady Stacey told Maher “concerns” had been raised about his mental health and that she would continue the case until a further hearing next month.

Maher is also charged with attempting to defeat the ends of justice after the alleged murder.

This includes a claim that he did clean blood at the house and change his clothes.

He is further accused of assaulting his wife on various occasions between January 2012 until the day before the alleged killing.

The charge states – amongst several accusations – that he punched Mrs Maher as well as throwing a mobile phone and remote control at her.