Husband Denies Wife's Murder

A former Kent police officer has pleaded not guilty to murdering his wife at her high street hair salon.

Ivan Esack, 38, of Rosewood Avenue, Ashford, is accused of stabbing 33-year-old Natalie Esack at Esack Hair and Beauty in High Street, Ashford, on April 30 this year.

Wearing a long-sleeved brown polo shirt and blue jeans, Esack sat impassively in the dock at Maidstone Crown Court throughout the hearing, which lasted for half an hour.

The court was told he would be entering a defence of loss of control and diminished responsibility.

Esack, who was employed by Kent Police until 2010 but was working as a football agent before his arrest, according to his website, was remanded in custody by Judge Jeremy Carey.

A trial, which is expected to last for 10 days, will take place at Maidstone Crown Court on December 10.