Mark Donovan claims self-defense in Elise Mason’s killing, alleging financial and emotional abuse during their marriage.
Prosecutors say Donovan killed Mason at his house and left her body there on Rothmans Avenue. He later went to the police, claiming self-defense.
Police found Mason in the early hours of April 26, 2023. She and Donovan had been married for over ten years. Donovan was then arrested and charged with murder.
Donovan said Mason had an affair and that she abused him physically and financially. He spoke to psychiatric experts about these allegations.
One doctor said Donovan mentioned the affair often and found it hard to challenge him on these claims. He interviewed Donovan via video, which was difficult.
The doctor said an affair could be a motive for killing, but to claim diminished responsibility requires a mental abnormality. The prosecutor thinks anger caused the violence. The doctor saw no proof to support Donovan’s claims, however, proof of an affair might support him.
Donovan said he did not know his ex-wife was dead and described it as a nightmare, saying she attacked him.
Another doctor reported on Donovan’s mental state, noting an undisputed mental disorder. However, Donovan felt good before going upstairs. Therefore, the doctor didn’t see any mental abnormality and said Donovan was in a “rather good place” at that time. The doctor didn’t think a mental issue caused the killing.
The defense lawyer noted the time gap between the death and the doctor’s evaluation. The doctor admitted this was a “significant time” afterwards.
The trial is ongoing at Chelmsford Crown Court.