A homeless man accused of stabbing a disabled man
A homeless man accused of stabbing a disabled man to death ‘showed a remarkable degree of self control,’ a court heard.
Clayton Mendez, 31, claims he knifed Thomas Pearson in self-defence after the victim lunged at him with a knife.
He also says he was provoked by the 49 year-old gay charity worker’s constant sexual advances.
And defence witness Dr Juna Hella told the jury she believes Mendez has a borderline personality disorder which affected his judgement.
But Dr Paul Chesterman, for the prosecution, said Mendez’ claims of being in fear of his life ‘make no sense.
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‘I find it difficult to accept.
Mr Mendez told me he went to live with the victim knowing perfectly well the victim’s sexual orientation.
‘He told me the victim had made an appropriate sexual advance shortly after he first met him.
‘He must have known he was at risk of sexual advances if he went to live with the victim.
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The psychiatrist also told the court he thought Mendez did not have a personality disorder.
‘He definitely does not meet the criteria of borderline personality disorder.
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Prosecutor Jeremy Benson QC asked: ‘Was Mr Mendez suffering from an abnormality of mind at the time of the offence?’
Dr Chesterman said: ‘No he wasn’t.
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He also rejected claims of provocation by the victim.
‘The account Mr Mendez was giving was more focused on his fear and his desire to defend himself.
‘We have also heard how he washed the knife and put it back in the block.
‘We have heard about him checking the phones before he left.
‘All that shows a remarkable degree of self control.
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Mendez fled to Okehampton, Devon, after the attack at a friend’s house in Ferndale Road, Leytonstone, east London.
A few days later on July 7, Thomas Pearson, 49, was found lying in his own blood near a half-eaten evening meal of chilli con carne.
He had three deep stab wounds to his scalp.
Mr Pearson, who worked for Cricklewood Homeless Concern, suffered from spina bifida and had club feet, the jury heard.
Mendez, of no fixed address, denies murder between July 2 and July 9, 2002.
The trial continues.
ends
