'Mum said she would be better off dead' claim.Byline: Lauren Turner A MOTHER who died in what her ex-boyfriend claimed was a suicide pact Noun 1. suicide pact - an agreement by two or more people to commit suicide together at a given place and time; "the two lovers killed themselves in a suicide pact" received treatment for depression in the months before her death, a court heard yesterday. Paramedics found shop assistant Bernadette Rochford, 47, lying on a blood-stained duvet du·vet n. A quilt, usually with a washable cover, that may be used in place of a bedspread and top sheet. [French, down, from Old French, alteration of dumet, diminutive of dum, dun in the kitchen of her Cardiff home, with her former partner Terrence Redpath, on April 20. She was taken to hospital but died of a stab wound to her neck. Redpath, who was treated for slash wounds to his wrists, claimed the pair, whose two-year relationship had ended the previous month, wanted to die. Peter Murphy QC, defending, told a jury at Cardiff Crown Court Cardiff Crown Court is a historic building situated in Cardiff's Civic Centre, Cathays Park. that Ms Rochford received treatment for depression from her GP. He said when asked in a medical questionnaire in January if she had thoughts she would be "better off dead", or of harming herself, she replied: "Nearly every day." She was then given antidepressants, but her family said she was not taking the medication. Mr Murphy said: "She may have been telling the family one thing, but the medical evidence suggests the situation was different." He told the jury Redpath and Ms Rochford had been drinking before paramedics were called, adding that the combination of depression and alcohol was "a recipe for disaster". Redpath, 56, a carpenter, of Llys Pum Cyfair, Mynachdy, Cardiff, denies murder. He chose not to give evidence at the trial. Mr Murphy told the jury that was his right, adding: "From the evidence, we know that both had had a lot to drink. "There is evidence he tried to take his own life. "It is open to you to draw an inference (logic) inference - The logical process by which new facts are derived from known facts by the application of inference rules. See also symbolic inference, type inference. that he has no recollection of what occurred. If so, then what assistance can he give to you?" Mr Murphy refuted the prosecution's claim that Ms Rochford was killed in a violent assault, telling the jury the presence of the duvet on the floor suggested otherwise. A post-mortem examination showed Ms Rochford had 30 injuries on her body. Ian Murphy QC, prosecuting, said it was "inconceivable" Ms Rochford would have injured in·jure tr.v. in·jured, in·jur·ing, in·jures 1. To cause physical harm to; hurt. 2. To cause damage to; impair. 3. herself in such a way. The court previously heard Redpath wrote Ms Rochford a letter after their relationship ended, telling her he wanted to die in her arms. The jury isexpected to be sent out today to consider its verdict. CAPTION(S): 'SUICIDAL THOUGHTS': Bernadette Rochford |
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