Sex change on NHS bid by axe attacker

Published on 20/08/2012 12:00

CAPITAL axe attacker Peter Kirkwood, who has been caged in Scotland’s top psychiatric hospital for the past 28 years, is seeking a sex change on the NHS.

Carstairs patient Kirkwood has changed his name to Rosemary and is allowed to wear women’s clothes.

The 55-year old has been locked up in the state hospital since 1984 after he tried to kill his father, John, with an axe at the family home in Portobello.

It is understood that his request to dress as a woman in public areas of the male only facility has been refused but he can wear make-up and female attire in the privacy of his own room.

Kirkwood detained without limit of time following his 1984 trial when a jury found him not guilty of attempted murder by reason of insanity.