The Crown has painted Philip Polkinghorne as a tinderbox ready to catch fire at any point - in its closing remarks. 

The Auckland eye surgeon's accused of killing his wife, Pauline Hanna, but his defence says she committed suicide. 

The prosecution says Polkinghorne's meth use, infidelity and rising anger created a perfect storm. 

Herald Court reporter George Block told Heather du Plessis-Allan the prosecution emphasised an earlier alleged strangulation attack on his wife. 

He says prosecutor Alysha McClintock said it was the most important piece of evidence.

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