A pensioner shot his wife in the head after she dared him to pull the trigger during a heated row, a court heard.

Charles Hall, 69, of Park Road, Hellingly, is accused of murdering Trudy Hall, 53, on October 24, last year.

Diane Chan, prosecuting, told the jury at Lewes Crown Court today that the couple had a "terrible row" when Hall accused his wife of having an affair.

It is alleged Hall grabbed the single-barrel shotgun from a gun cabinet in the loft of their cottage and then went to his wife's bedroom and pointed it at her.

Ms Chan told the court: "Mrs Hall said 'Oh, I expect you have come to shoot me. I hope you have the guts and courage to do it'."

At this point Hall pulled the trigger, although Ms Chan told the jury he believed the gun was not loaded.

She said: "Hall pulled the trigger expecting to hear a click but it exploded."

Mrs Hall was killed instantly as the shot entered her right cheek and exited through her left ear.

Hall denies murder and claims that his intention was simply to scare his wife and believed the gun was not loaded.

The trial continues.