Killer blamed attack on 'lack of medication'

A man on trial for allegedly murdering his mother at her home believed being unable to get medication for his schizophrenia was to blame for his attack, a jury has has heard.

Brenda Breed was found dead at her home in Westonzyland in Somerset on 22 July 2025 with injuries so severe she was "unrecognisable".

Richard Breed, who has schizophrenia, admits his mother's manslaughter but denies her murder.

A forensic psychiatrist, speaking as an expert witness at Bristol Crown Court, said despite the mental illnesses displayed in Breed, a partial defence of diminished responsibility could not be supported.

Speaking during the trial, forensic psychiatrist Dr Gauruv Malhan said: "There wasn't anything to make me think he [Breed] was psychotic… I didn't see anything relating to that."

He added he did not see anything of concern during his assessment of Breed, such as unseen sounds or voices he may be experiencing.

As part of Malhan's report, during his psychiatric assessment Breed described having an argument with his mother about cutting contact with his family.

The court was told he said: "The next thing I know, I had my hands around her neck.

"I killed her. I blacked out. I lost my mind. I had no control of what I was doing and it was horrible.

"I regret doing it. I regret everything that ever happened."

In the report, Malhan also recounted Breed's six to seven previous attempts to take his own life, as well as historical admissions to psychiatric facilities.

Malhan also recalled Breed saying: "I ran out of medication… which is why I'm right here now in prison."

Breed reportedly said he ran out of his prescribed medicine about three days before he attacked his mother, and was unable to get a repeat prescription.

The trial continues.

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