Man accused of raping his wife

A man has gone on trial accused of raping, assaulting, and threatening to kill his wife as their marriage was breaking down.

The jury will hear evidence that the 42-year-old accused threatened his wife with a knife and raped her after she said she was leaving him, the prosecution said.

The woman obtained a barring order against the accused but the threats allegedly continued. The couple would meet occasionally to discuss the care of their young son but their meetings did not go well and the accused allegedly threatened to kill the woman, the court heard.