A husband accused of murdering his wife refused to give evidence in case the jury thought he was crazy.

Hajrudin Hasanovic, 33, admitted stabbing his estranged wife, Cassandra, 24, in front of their two children in Bognor last summer.

Mrs Hasanovic was repeatedly attacked with a kitchen knife on July 29 in Normanton Avenue as she and young sons were about to be driven to a women's refuge by her mother.

During a two-week trial at Lewes Crown Court, Hasanovic denied murder but admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

The prosecution accused Serbian-born Hasanovic of killing the 24-year-old after he lost a custody battle and was told he would be deported.

The court was told Hasanovic had been due to give evidence at his trial yesterday (mon) but decided not to go into the witness box.

Forensic psychiatrist Dr Duncan Anderson told the jury he had examined Hasanovic in the cells and concluded he was fit to give evidence but could not face it.

He said: "He felt he would be overwhelmed and panic and would not be able to think or respond to questions. He would be likely to break down in tears and not be able to stop and people would think he was crazy."

Dr Anderson said Hasanovic told him he had barely slept since the trial started and had been taking medication for anxiety.

The doctor said when he had examined Hasanovic two months after the killing he concluded he was suffering severe depression at the time of the alleged murder.

He said: "In my opinion he was describing symptoms of severe depression and anxiety.

"He said he felt helpless and desperate. I think he had given up hope things would get better."

He said Hasanovic told him his legal fight to get access to his children and try to stop his wife moving permanently to Australia with the boys had "messed up" his head.

On the day of the killing he went to Bognor, where his wife was staying at her mother's home in Nyewood Lane.

The doctor said Hasanovic told him he did not intend to kill her but he had just snapped.

He said Hasanovic told him: "I do not know why I took the knife. I did hate her but because I love her I would not hurt her."

He told the doctor he knew his children would now suffer. He said: "I did not want to kill her. I have destroyed their lives. They will suffer. I hope they will have a good life."

The court has heard Mrs Hasanovic ended their five-year marriage after complaining to police her husband attacked her.

Since her death her sons have moved to Australia with her mother.

The trial continues.