Man who strangled wife to death felt jealous of her, court hears – live court updates

Asked whether Davies was able to exercise self-control, which is one of the considerations in a defence of diminished responsibility, Dr Reagu points to his “lack of sleep and emotional numbing”.

“He was struggling to exercise self-control,” says the psychiatrist, who describes the symptoms as “pretty much textbook”.

“I am of the opinion his function at that time was substantially impaired,” says Dr Reagu, though he adds that it is a matter for the jury to determine whether the diminished responsibility criteria were met.

“His mental functioning at the time was highly different from his usual mental function… This was a completely different mental and cognitive state than his usual self, which was recognised by those close to him.”

It was not surprising that the defendant did not have an explanation for his actions, given his “overwhelming distress”, Dr Reagu tells the court.

Dr Reagu says another forensic psychiatrist, Dr Tom Wynne, agreed with his diagnosis and with his conclusion that the defence of diminished responsibility was “available”. A third psychiatrist who analysed the case, however, did not agree with those findings, the court hears.