Murder accused denies having sex with victim

A man has denied having sex with the 71-year-old woman he is accused of murdering as a forensic scientist told a court the evidence was inconclusive.

Brian Whitelock, 57, allegedly used a knife, table leg and shelving to kill neighbour Wendy Buckney, in Clydach, Swansea in August 2022.

Mr Whitelock denies murder but admits manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Defending himself at Swansea Crown Court he cross-examined Neil Wilson, who told the court Ms Buckney's trousers were blood-stained and that a sperm cell was found, matching Mr Whitelock's DNA.

Mr Whitelock asked him if the sperm traces indicated he had sexual contact with retired riding instructor Ms Buckney.

"It could have been indirectly transferred, or could be through sexual activity," said Mr Wilson.

"We can't tell. The scientific findings are neutral in terms of whether Brian Whitelock had sexual activity with Wendy Buckney."

Mr Whitelock told the court he accepted his blood was on "everything", saying: "But there is no evidence of sexual contact."

Quizzed by Chris Rees KC, prosecuting, about the possibility of sexual activity, Mr Wilson said the sperm cell could perhaps be explained by transfer from Brian Whitelock's boxer shorts, which were blood-stained and had sperm cells on.

Traces of the defendant's DNA were found in blood spots around the property, Mr Wilson said.

Ms Buckney's DNA was found on a blood-stained knife. Photos shown to the jury of a broken table leg and shelving also showed what may have been flesh and blood stains, which also matched the victim's DNA.

Mr Whitelock was convicted of killing two men, including his own brother, in 2001 and was released from prison after serving a life sentence.

The court heard Mr Whitelock's attack, on the balance of probabilities, could not be attributed to head injuries he suffered in the weeks previous.

The jury was told the defendant told Dr Mohammed Shaffiullha that he slipped off a bridge and hit his head at the end of July 2022, and could not recall being seen in hospital.

In a report filed by the consultant psychiatrist in May 2024, he concluded while a head injury could be a partial defence to murder of diminished responsibility, his behaviour could also be linked to possible withdrawal from drugs, intoxication, and a chest infection.

But in a report from July 2024 he concluded he did not think Mr Whitelock's behaviour at the time of the killing was due to head injury but that alcohol and drugs were contributed.

The jury heard he regularly consumed cannabis, diazepam and alcohol.

Dr Shaffiullha said Mr Whitelock's remark after the attack in which he told neighbours he had killed Ms Buckney, were significant factors in his conclusion.

The trial continues.