A BIGAMIST accused of murdering his second wife sent text messages professing his love for his first wife days before the killing, a court has heard.

Pierre Legris - also known as Alain Baron - texted Irene Smith, to whom he has been married since 1987, to tell her he loved her on Wednesday, May 21.

He is alleged to have murdered Poole nurse Rui Li on Friday, May 23, wrapping her body in a plastic sheet before stashing it in the back of a Transit van.

The following day, prosecutors allege the van was moved to Cromer Motors, owned by Smith and managed by Pierre Legris, before Ms Li's body was at some point removed and stowed in the back of a Fiat Punto.

This car was moved by Smith and Legris' son Jonathan, who says he did not know the body of Ms Li was in the boot, and was eventually discovered parked in Verwood Crescent, Bournemouth, on May 30.

The 44-year-old was wearing trousers she had worn to work and a pair of black shoes when her body was found.

Jurors were this morning told of messages sent between Pierre Legris and Smith that prosecutor Nigel Lickley QC alleged showed "the closeness between the two of them".

In one, Legris told her he has forgotten a pint of milk, adding, "Got butternut squash for Thursday. Love you", the court heard.

In her reply, Smith allegedly added to the message: "Do you want me?"

Mr Lickley said Legris texted back: "Always do. Love you and good night."

On the day after Ms Li is alleged to have died, Pierre Legris and Smith travelled to Watford together to watch a dance show and have lunch, it is said.

The two were allegedly captured on CCTV "hand in hand".

Police began an investigation into the nurse's disappearance after Pierre Legris reported her missing on Tuesday, May 27.

Prosecutors claim that she was struck over the head with a blunt object which caused significant trauma to her skull before her body was hidden in the van.

"I suggest [Ms Li's death] was carefully thought-out, planned and put into effect," Mr Lickley said.

Pierre Legris, 61, of Burnham Drive, Bournemouth, denies murder but admits bigamy.

Irene Smith, 66, of St Clement's Road, denies two counts of perverting the course of justice and one of conspiracy to commit murder.

Jonathan Legris, 27, of Spring Road, denies assisting an offender and conspiracy to commit murder.

The trial at Winchester Crown Court continues.