Brother killer stabbed neighbour to death - court

A 71-year-old woman was sexually assaulted and murdered by a neighbour she knew and trusted in a ferocious attack, a trial has heard.

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

He admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, but denies murder.

His trial at Swansea Crown Court was told he had previously been convicted of killing two men - including his own brother and given a life sentence.

Man admits manslaughter of retired horsewoman

Man denies murder of retired horsewoman

The jury heard he told neighbours who saw him leave Mrs Buckney's ground floor flat covered in blood and wearing only his boxers: "I don't know why I've done it. She's been good to me."

Chris Rees, prosecuting, said Mrs Buckney "must have suffered greatly" due to her "multiple blunt and sharp force injuries".

He added there were too many stab wounds for the pathologist to accurately count.

Referring to Mr Whitelock's previous convictions , Mr Rees said he killed 34-year-old Nicky Morgan with a pick axe or hammer after a drink and drug fuelled argument in October 2000.

He then went to a local garage, returning with a jerry can of petrol which he poured over him and lit a fire.

His brother Glen was sleeping upstairs and died of smoke inhalation.

In July 2001 he was convicted of the murder of Mr Morgan and the manslaughter of his brother.

Mr Rees said, when Mr Whitelock was taken into custody on suspicion of Mrs Buckley's murder, he said: "I'm not doing another life sentence."

Judge Martin Griffiths told the jury Mr Whitelock would defend himself rather than be represented by a solicitor.

The trial continues.