Clayton Robert Weatherston appeared to take virtually no responsibility for what had gone wrong in his relationship with Sophie Elliott or for killing her, Associate Professor Philip Brinded told the High Court at Christchurch today.
The psychiatrist, called as a witness by the defence, said that Weatherston controlled the interview he had with him. He had a chronological list he was referring to, and the notes did not include the killing of Miss Elliott.
He had a lack of empathy or remorse and blamed Miss Elliott for the situation he was now in, Prof Brinded told the 17th and final day of evidence in Weatherston's murder trial.
Weatherston told him the killing had destroyed everything for him, and speculated that her injuries might represent the emasculation of the relationship, or that Miss Elliott used sex as a weapon.
Weatherston had read the pathologist's report on the injuries inflicted upon Miss Elliott and felt it was as though someone else had caused them.
He thought publicity in favour of Miss Elliott had created an imbalance against him and there had been a rewriting of reality about her.
"I do not believe there to be any significant evidence of, and I would not support a defence of, insanity," Prof Brinded said.
He believed Weatherston's personality disorder included narcissism with histrionic and borderline traits.
He explained that a histrionic trait meant Weatherston was prone to fluctuation of emotional expressions and outbursts, and he was theatrical.
He believed himself to be special and needing admiration. He was exploitive and displayed a degree of arrogance. Prof Brinded said.
The hearing of evidence in the trial of the 33-year-old Otago University lecturer, who admits stabbing his 22-year-old student to death, has now finished.
Justice Judith Potter adjourned the trial to Monday for the hearing of closing addresses.
Weatherston has said he would admit a charge of manslaughter with the defence claiming provocation.
