Randle Williams' mother Audrey and father Archibald, left leaving the crown court in BristolBROKE computer firm boss Randle Williams was facing financial meltdown on the day his wife was killed as his complex web of deception finally started to unravel, a court heard.

Williams, 43, is alleged to have killed his wife to cash in on more than £700,000 in life insurance policies as he attempted to repair a financial "black hole" created by his lies and deceit.

Tricking business partners, bank managers and property developers, Williams is said to have juggled loan after loan to cover up huge debts.

Even when Williams was charged with his wife's murder he tried to process a claim for a £665,000 life insurance payout from Norwich Union.

Despite the life insurance application for his wife initially failing because of her history of eating disorders and depression, the deal provided the couple with free accidental death cover while their applications were being processed.

Williams could also have benefited from a £65,000 Abbey National life insurance policy and other sources.

Mark Evans QC said Wil-liams' web of deception was woven over a long period.

His Bath-based computer software firm Speedy Duck went into liquidation in February 2002 but Williams had already committed himself to purchasing a £525,000 converted barn in Tufton Barns, Hampshire.

Trying to organise a rapid-sale on their Greenland Mills home, he was facing financial ruin and needed to find £76,449 to complete the sale on the Hampshire home on April 22 the day Natalie was murdered or the deal would collapse.

If the house buy fell through, Wil-liams faced losing a £35,000 deposit coupled with the prospect of court action from the developers to recover £23,000 owed to them.

Business partner Richard Fern was persuaded, under false pretences, in August 2001 to lend Williams £70,000 so he could buy a retirement home for his parents Archibald and Audrey. Instead, Williams used the cash to buy his wife a £43,000 Porsche Boxter with the personalised number plate X111 NAT a car refinanced for £35,000 less than a year later.

Meanwhile Williams and Mr Fern were trying to launch a management buy out bid for their failed software company and Barclays Bank supplied Williams with a three-month loan of £35,000 which he used as a deposit on their new Hampshire home instead.

Williams was also trying to negotiate a second mortgage of £200,000 on his Bradford home even though it was up for sale.

Mr Evans said the financial picture was grim for Williams unless he took drastic action.

He said: "There is clear evidence of impending financial disaster. I have painted a picture of a big black hole that his finances had become. Natalie's death might have solved these problems. It is questionable how much Natalie knew about what had gone on financially and what the result of her finding out would have been."

The trial continues