Anita Anderson (52) was killed just hours after buying herself a dress in anticipation of accompanying her husband Malcolm to a Christmas party.

She had no idea he had pledged his future to work colleague Claire Jackson (26).

A jury was told Anderson was so desperate to be with Miss Jackson he plotted with another workmate, John Height, to "get rid" of his wife.

She ended up being beaten, stabbed and thrown into the River Welland near Deeping St James – possibly while still alive – where her body was found hidden under a tractor tyre.

Anderson (54), of The Mill, Kirton, has admitted murdering her last December, but Height (38) of Driffield Way, Woodston, Peterborough, denies the charge.

Anderson was UK operations manager for haulage firm Norfolkline, Whittlesey, where Miss Jackson worked as an administrator.

The businessman, who earned £41,000 a year, claims he killed his wife because she made his life a "misery" after learning of his affair.

But yesterday Timothy Barnes QC, defending Height, suggested Anderson had money troubles at the time he plotted his wife's death.

He owned three properties with combined outstanding mortgages of £356,000.

He also owed £38,000 in car loans, overdrafts and credits cards' the jury at Nottingham Crown Court heard.

Anderson confirmed he and his wife had life insurance which would pay £170,000 pounds to the surviving partner if either was to die.

Anderson also denied deciding to kill his wife rather than divorce her because it would bankroll his new life with Miss Jackson.

He added he was "shocked" when Height offered his services as a hitman for £20,000.

The jury has heard both of the women in Anderson's life believed they were going to the Norfolkline Christmas party with him last December.

The trial continues.