The lover of a retired policeman allegedly forged a will after his death so she could keep his £180,000 estate out of the hands of his wife.

Victoria Kendrew persuaded two friends to act as witnesses and supply false statements, Exeter Crown Court has heard.

The document was submitted days before probate was due to be granted to the widow of retired police officer Peter Farquharson, who committed suicide in 2008.

The 53-year-old Scots-born Devon and Cornwall officer had left his wife Jayne Humphries 15 months before and the jury were told he did not make a will, meaning his entire estate should have reverted to his widow.

But three weeks before she was due to inherit in 2009, Kendrew came forward with a will. She claimed Mr Farquharson made the will two months before his death. The court heard a handwriting expert said the signature was forged.

Kendrew, 43, of Whimple, Devon, denies conspiracy to forge a will and to pervert the course of justice and fraud. Carl Jensen and Kevin Dodd of Surrey admit conspiracy charges and are due to give evidence.

The trial continues.