This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-england-leeds-17529261
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Murder accused soldier Aaron Wilkinson 'turned mad man' | Murder accused soldier Aaron Wilkinson 'turned mad man' |
(40 minutes later) | |
An ex-soldier told a jury he felt as though he had "turned into a mad man" when he shot and killed his landlady. | |
Aaron Wilkinson, 24, is accused of murdering Judith Garnett, 52, by shooting her three times at their home in Alma Street, Woodlesford, Leeds. | Aaron Wilkinson, 24, is accused of murdering Judith Garnett, 52, by shooting her three times at their home in Alma Street, Woodlesford, Leeds. |
Mr Wilkinson told Bradford Crown Court he had felt like he was in a "trance" and could not explain the killing. | Mr Wilkinson told Bradford Crown Court he had felt like he was in a "trance" and could not explain the killing. |
He denies murder but admits manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. | He denies murder but admits manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. |
Mr Wilkinson told the jury: "All of a sudden, something came over me, I don't know what, I can't explain, all I just remember seeing is me lunging over to the other bed and I just watched myself load the gun and fire." | Mr Wilkinson told the jury: "All of a sudden, something came over me, I don't know what, I can't explain, all I just remember seeing is me lunging over to the other bed and I just watched myself load the gun and fire." |
'Pack of lies' | 'Pack of lies' |
He added: "It sort of went black and white and hazy at times. It was like I just turned into a mad man." | He added: "It sort of went black and white and hazy at times. It was like I just turned into a mad man." |
The court has heard Mr Wilkinson went on a six-month tour of duty of Afghanistan in 2009. | The court has heard Mr Wilkinson went on a six-month tour of duty of Afghanistan in 2009. |
Following his return, he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress reaction by an Army doctor and has since been found to suffer from Asperger's syndrome, or a similar condition. | Following his return, he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress reaction by an Army doctor and has since been found to suffer from Asperger's syndrome, or a similar condition. |
The court was told Mr Wilkinson moved in with Mrs Garnett after an argument with his mother. | The court was told Mr Wilkinson moved in with Mrs Garnett after an argument with his mother. |
On the day of the shooting, Mrs Garnett shouted at him for not letting her dogs out during the day and then told him to "pack his bags". | On the day of the shooting, Mrs Garnett shouted at him for not letting her dogs out during the day and then told him to "pack his bags". |
In cross-examination, prosecutor Richard Mansell QC suggested Mr Wilkinson's story was a "pack of lies". | In cross-examination, prosecutor Richard Mansell QC suggested Mr Wilkinson's story was a "pack of lies". |
He said Mr Wilkinson was feeling "a bit lost in civilian life" and the killing was revenge for being told to move out. | He said Mr Wilkinson was feeling "a bit lost in civilian life" and the killing was revenge for being told to move out. |
The case continues. | The case continues. |
Previous version
1
Next version