Man accused of murdering woman ‘ unfit to stand trial’

AM A N a c c u s e d o f murdering a woman by attacking and smothering her is unfit to stand trial. Shaun Wilson, 30, was charged with killing Kymberli Sweeney, 27, at her flat in Paisley, Renfrewshire, on February 1, 2020.

It was alleged that he repeatedly punched and kicked her on the head, repeatedly struck her with an unknown implement on the head and body, causing her to fall to the ground.

It was then claimed he applied pressure to her mouth, restricted her breathing and smothered her.

Prosecutors say that the alleged offence was aggravated by the fact it involved the abuse of a partner or former partner.

Wilson was also charged with assaulting Kymberli on an occasion between November 7 and December 3, 2019, by striking her on the body and dragging her by the hair.

As Wilson has been deemed unfit for trial, an examination of facts hearing into the circumstances of the case began today at the High Court in Glasgow.

Advocate depute Euan Cameron said: “Judge Lady Stacey stated [ on January 4] that Mr Wilson was unfit for trial.

“This is due to him being very unwell due to psychiatric health.”

Wilson – who currently resides at the state hospital in Carstairs, Lanarkshire – has his attendance excused.

The court heard from Kymberli’s friend Pamela Nelson who stated she was in phone contact with her in the early morning of the day of her death. She told police officers in a statement that in a call Kymberli said Miss Nelson’s name before hanging up.

The witness claimed she called back and spoke to Wilson who was using Kymberli’s phone.

Wilson allegedly said: “I f*** ing battered her and I took her legs away from her and gave her a few jabs - she hit me.”

Miss Nelson stated she shouted at Wilson who told her that he was outside and Kymberli was inside.

She claimed she told him to leave her phone at the property before he left.

The witness stated she went to Kymberli’s flat and banged on the windows as well as shouted but received no response.

Call records showed Miss Nelson dialled 999 at 6.30pm that day.

The court earlier heard from detective sergeant Neil Martin, 52, who was tasked as crime scene manager for the flat.

He stated he was informed about Kymberli being found dead in the early evening.

The hearing was shown pictures of the flat from later that night.

Kymberli was identified as the body dressed in black that was lying down over the threshold of the bedroom into the hallway.

Mr Cameron asked: “She is lying face down with her hands raised slightly above her head?” DS Martin replied: “Yes.” Mr Cameron asked: “This was the position she was in when you attended at the flat?”

DS Martin replied: “Yes.” The examination of facts continues before Judge Lady Rae.