Man denies murdering his mother

A man accused of burying the dismembered body of his mother in a shallow grave had trouble controlling his temper, a psychiatrist told a murder trial.

Dr Isobel Campbell also said James Dunleavy (40), grinned when asked about the death of his sister.

Mr Dunleavy denies murdering his mother Philomena (66), from Dublin, between April 30th and May 7th last year while she was visiting his Edinburgh home. He also denies attempting to cover up the alleged murder by burying her body parts at a local beauty spot. Dr Campbell was the third psychiatrist to give evidence at the high court in Edinburgh yesterday. All three said Mr Dunleavy presented them with a puzzle because he would not talk about the circumstances of his mother's death.

Serious problem
They agreed he had a serious problem, but could not say exactly what. Dr Campbell told the trial she had only been able to speak to him once. "He has displayed poor anger management and problem solving but this would not necessarily be indicative of mental illness."

Nursing staff reported he had lost his temper over trivial matters. The psychiatrist said during her interview Mr Dunleavy avoided eye contact and would not take off his cap. He also denied there was anything wrong with him – blaming an interview with another doctor while he was under pressure for putting him in the state hospital, Carstairs. He said he had a fear of medication and that was why he did not co-operate. Mr Dunleavy complained that in the hospital he was expected to be on first-name terms with 20 people. He also said there was no one in the hospital who could play chess at his level but that while briefly in prison – on remand – he could find “worthy opponents”.

The prosecution case has now ended and the jury must wait to see whether Mr Dunleavy will give evidence.