Suma Begum: Suitcase murder accused strangled wife, trial hears

At the same time, Mr Miah received a WhatsApp video call from Mr Rahman, which he managed to partially screen-record but without any sound.

In the video played to the court, Ms Begum was seen on a bed covering her face with one of her children nearby.

“The defendant then said he would murder Suma… and murder him,” said Ms Ledward.

“Suma said she wanted to leave but the defendant grabbed her neck. She screamed and was unable to talk.”

The video feed then froze, but 28 seconds later Mr Rahman made another video call in which he said “I have murdered Suma” and pointed the camera at his wife, showing her lying down with saliva coming from her mouth, the court heard.

CCTV showed to the court captured Mr Rahman leaving his address carrying one of his children and pulling a large black suitcase.

Further CCTV was played to the jury, which the prosecution said showed Mr Rahman lifting the suitcase on to a metal barrier by the River Lea and pushing it into the water.

“There is no dispute that Suma Begum was in that suitcase – placed there by the defendant,” Ms Ledward said.

The trial continues.