Man accused of murder 'took Valium pills before knife attack'

A PSYCHIATRIST told a murder trial yesterday that a man claimed he'd taken four Valium tablets before he is alleged to have killed his "only friend" with a knife.

Dr Amul Patel, 34, a psychiatrist at the Orchard Clinic at Royal Edinburgh Hospital, assessed the mental state of Christopher Bouhadi, 25, days after he is alleged to have killed his flatmate, Barry Fleming, 28, outside the Clifton Arms pub in Broxburn, West Lothian.

Dr Patel assessed Bouhadi for post traumatic stress syndrome, days after Mr Fleming's death, as Bouhadi claimed that he had been "beasted" – assaulted – by Mr Fleming in October 2008.

Dr Patel was giving evidence on the fifth day of the trial of Bouhadi, who denies murdering his then flatmate, Mr Fleming, in Broxburn's Station Road on 29 May last year.

Ian Duguid, QC, defending, told Dr Patel about Bouhadi's past problems and questioned whether the incident occurred because Bouhadi was suffering from depression after the alleged attack by Mr Fleming.

Mr Duguid said: "He failed to get into the army as he failed drug tests. He dropped out of mainstream education at an early age. He is not particularly good at expressing himself.

"It is unusual for a killing to take place in broad daylight. Do you not think it's a possibility this man was suffering depression because of the sexual and physical assault carried out by Mr Fleming?"

Dr Patel replied: "I think it is unlikely. I think it is more likely his mental issues, such as nightmares and flashbacks, were caused by his drink and drug problems, and his experiences of living rough on the streets, rather than post traumatic stress syndrome."

Solicitor General Frank Mulholland QC, prosecuting, questioned why Bouhadi would go back to live with his flatmate if the alleged assault had taken place the year before.

The trial, before Lord Philip, continues.