Scientist 'killed wife over affair'

A research scientist killed his wife by pouring paint thinner over her and setting her alight after their arranged marriage went wrong and she began an affair, the Old Bailey was told yesterday.

David Paget QC, for the prosecution, said that days after Miran Sharma, 30, died, her lover, Manhar Datani, hanged himself because he was unable to live without her.

Kamaljit Sharma, 36, denies murdering his wife at their home in Edgware, north London, last September but admits her manslaughter.

Mr Paget said Mr Sharma only met his wife two weeks before their arranged marriage when she arrived from India.

Mrs Sharma met Mr Datani at the local job centre where he was a job tutor and they began an affair.

The case continues today.