A MAN who allegedly stabbed to death his estranged wife and her Oxfordshire lover before burning down her house was often "aggressive" and "difficult" towards her, a court has heard.

Fiona Marshall - the stepsister of Carphone Warehouse tycoon David Ross - felt "upset" and would become "shaky and nervous" after arguments with 37-year-old Alex Marshall, Birmingham Crown Court was told yesterday.

Marshall, of Irchester Road, Rushden, Northamptonshire, is accused of murdering the 41-year-old and Richard Flippance, 44, of Thame, at her bungalow in Brampton Ash, Northamptonshire.

He is also accused of covering his tracks by dousing the property, part of a large estate owned by Mr Ross, with petrol and setting it ablaze in the early hours of April 2 last year.

Mrs Marshall's stepsister, Sophie Ross, told the court how the defendant had, on a number of occasions, threatened to burn down the house during arguments.

She said he had also threatened to "hurt" or "kill" Mrs Marshall's beloved pet Labrador and had once thrown items from their loft at her.

The 35-year-old said: "He was very difficult towards her and very aggressive towards her. She would be very upset and become quite shaky and nervous.

"It was as if he did not want Fiona to have any freedom so he would not be very helpful."

Marshall, a security guard, denies two charges of murder and one of arson. The case continues.