Murder trial at a close
Published 1 Feb 2012 09:30
MURDER accused Craig Roy's defence QC David Burns gave his closing speech to the jury today (Wednesday)
He invited them to convict his client of culpable homicide - saying Roy, who is now living in Cardross, has a personality disorder - instead of the charge of murder he faces.
Mr Burns said Roy was subjected to a "catalogue of harassment" by Jack and was controlled by him with blackmail about disclosing a sexual encounter they shared in January 2010 to Roy's boyfriend.
It was also said that Roy did not seek to cover up his actions on the night of the incident and that it was not premeditated.
The jury was told that two separate psychiatrists diagnosed 19-year-old Roy with a disorder affecting his personality.
One described the knife used to kill Jack as "speaking for him" because he was unable to talk about his problems of feeling "cornered".
The court heard that because of his condition he was unable to discuss problems and would sometimes bang his head or scratch his face.
Mr Burns said Roy's actions that day were "governed and dictated by his disorder of personality."
The jury heard that the anger he normally felt towards himself, as part of his condition, diverted itself towards Jack who he felt was "tormenting" him.
Judge Lord Doherty will charge the jury tomorrow.
This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 01 Feb 12
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