17/11/2009

Man Claims To Have 'Killed Wife During A Dream'

A man accused of murdering his wife as they slept in a motor home killed her because he dreamt she was an intruder, a court has heard.

Swansea Crown Court was told how Brian Thomas, 59, was not in control of his actions when he strangled his partner Christine Thomas, 57, in a camper van in a car park in Aberporth, Ceredigion, in July 2008.

The prosecution are seeking a verdict of "not guilty by reason of insanity" against Mr Thomas, of Neath, who suffered from a sleep disorder.

Prosecuting barrister Paul Thomas QC told the jury how Mr Thomas believed his wife was a man who had broken into their motor home.

Following evidence from sleep experts, the prosecution have agreed Mr Thomas's actions were involuntary and that he could not be held responsible.

The jury will have a choice between the "not guilty by reason of insanity" verdict and the "not guilty" verdict.

The case is ongoing.

(GK/KMcA)

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