A man accused of k!lling his former beauty queen wife has told a court in Switzerland that he “loved her” and regrets her death.

According to reports, 43-year-old Marc Rieben is standing trial over the death of his wife, Kristina Joksimovic. Prosecutors allege that he used a jigsaw tool, a knife, and garden shears on her body before reportedly blending parts of her remains.

Rieben, who shares two young children with the deceased, is facing charges including mu3der and desecration of a corpse. If convicted, he could receive a life sentence.

During court proceedings, the accused reportedly became emotional as he insisted that he loved Kristina and claimed her d3ath was accidental, although he admitted to grabbing her by the throat during the incident.

Reports also stated that the judge ruled against hearing additional defence witnesses, saying they were not present during the incident and would not provide relevant evidence to the case.

He said: ‘I have caused my family immeasurable suffering. Why? Why did I fail? Why couldn’t I prevent it? Why couldn’t I stop her from dying at my hands? I loved my wife with all my heart and believed in a future together.

‘It haunts me day and night. What I did is absolutely unforgivable, and I take full responsibility. I deeply regret it, and I apologise.’

He also revealed that, as a sign of his remorse, he had paid his two children and Kristina’s parents £94,218. ‘It would be wonderful if you could use it to do something that brings some lightness into your lives,’ he said in front of the court.

The court asked Rieben why the monetary offer was only being made today, following two years of proceedings.

The husband responded: ‘Because this is the first opportunity I’ll have to see the bereaved. This offer is made regardless of what the court decides. I simply want to show my support. It’s a gesture.

‘Human lives cannot be replaced; I can only offer my sympathy,’ he continued.

AB