A property developer has been acquitted of strangling his wife during an argument concerning their divorce proceedings. Paul Pressland, 63, was cleared by a jury after being accused of squeezing Gemma Martin's throat until her eyes bulged in their home on December 1, 2024.
Pressland maintained his innocence, stating he acted in self-defense. The court heard that the altercation occurred after Ms. Martin, described by her estranged husband as 'Amazonian,' threw her Ugg slippers at him while he was brushing his teeth. The prosecution alleged Pressland responded by punching her and then squeezing her neck.
However, Pressland testified that Ms. Martin struck him and pulled his hair. He claimed the couple 'tussled' and fell to the floor, and that any bruises she sustained were from being pushed against a door handle during this struggle. He suggested red marks on her neck could have been from a wetsuit she wore earlier that day for a charity swim.
Ms. Martin, 52, had reportedly drawn up a 'wish list' as part of their divorce settlement. The list included a £1 million home, a £35,000 Range Rover, and £60,000 annually. Pressland stated he was blindsided by the divorce filing, learning about it indirectly.
The couple, who married in 2022 after getting together in 2014, had hosted Ms. Martin's parents for a Sunday roast before the incident. Pressland admitted to drinking wine while cooking, and five bottles were consumed by six people over approximately five hours.
Ms. Martin told the court that after her parents left, a heated conversation ensued in their en-suite bathroom. She described feeling unable to breathe, her head spinning, and her eyes bulging, believing she was going to die. She stated Pressland let go after about five seconds, and she fell to the floor, experiencing a panic attack.
Pressland countered that Ms. Martin initiated the physical confrontation by striking him and grabbing his hair. He claimed he acted to protect himself.
After deliberating for one hour, the jury at Salisbury Crown Court found Pressland not guilty. Following the verdict, Pressland expressed relief but stated there were 'no winners' and that he was sorry for the ordeal, particularly for his ex-stepsons. He added that he had to place his faith in the jury system to find the truth. He declined to comment on whether the charges should have been brought against him.