Court told of murder accused's self-harm

Accused murderer Tony Worrell previously needed treatment from a hospital mental health unit after cutting his wrists with a kitchen knife, a court has heard.

Worrell, 50, was taken to Waitakere Hospital, West Auckland, on August 4, 2007, after a night spent drinking and gambling, Dr Ahmed Taher told the High Court at Auckland yesterday.

Dr Taher said Worrell initially arrived at the emergency department, but was referred to the crisis team because of the "intention to harm himself". The cuts to both his wrists were caused by a small kitchen knife.

"I understand he was drinking all night and gambling. He came home and argued with his wife. She asked him to leave the house and he self-harmed."

Worrell was allowed home the same day after his wife agreed to care for him. Before he left the hospital he was given a tetanus shot and paracetamol. No stitches were needed for the cuts.

The court heard it was his second visit to the hospital in just a few days.

Worrell is accused of murdering 26- year-old newlywed Katie Powles by deliberately crashing into her on Linwood Rd, Karaka, on June 3, 2008.

He is also charged with causing grievous bodily harm to Brett Robinson, after a collision with him seconds before the fatal smash with Mrs Powles. He faces a further four counts of attempting to cause intentional damage after allegedly deliberately driving at four other cars. He denies all charges.

Worrell's lawyer, Matthew Goodwin, asked the doctor about the severity of his client's wounds and if they could be considered a suicide attempt.

Dr Taher said the injuries were largely superficial "scratches" and he didn't think they were.

Earlier, forensic toxicologist Helen Poulsen of the Institute of Environmental Science and Research said a blood analysis showed Worrell had 0.3mg of diazepam in his system after the crash. The drug was used for treating alcohol abuse and when coupled with alcohol the combination accentuated the effects of both.