Murder Defendant Refutes Sexual Activity with Alleged Victim

A man facing a murder charge has denied engaging in sexual activity with the 71-year-old alleged victim, following testimony from a forensic scientist who stated that the available evidence did not provide a definitive conclusion. Brian Whitelock, aged 57, is accused of causing the death of his neighbor, Wendy Buckney, in Clydach, Swansea, during August 2022, reportedly employing a knife, a table leg, and shelving in the act. Mr. Whitelock has entered a plea of not guilty to murder, but has admitted to manslaughter, citing diminished responsibility as his defense. Representing himself at Swansea Crown Court, Mr. Whitelock questioned Neil Wilson, who informed the court that Ms. Buckney’s trousers exhibited bloodstains and that a sperm cell, corresponding to Mr. Whitelock’s DNA, had been discovered. Mr. Whitelock inquired whether the presence of sperm traces suggested he had engaged in sexual contact with Ms. Buckney, a retired riding instructor. Mr. Wilson responded, stating, “It could have been indirectly transferred, or could be through sexual activity.” He further added, “We can’t tell. The scientific findings are neutral in terms of whether Brian Whitelock had sexual activity with Wendy Buckney.” Mr. Whitelock informed the court that he acknowledged his blood was present on “everything,” but asserted, “But there is no evidence of sexual contact.” When questioned by Chris Rees KC, representing the prosecution, regarding the potential for sexual activity, Mr. Wilson suggested that the sperm cell might be accounted for by transfer from Brian Whitelock’s boxer shorts, which were found to be blood-stained and also contained sperm cells. Mr. Wilson also stated that traces of the defendant’s DNA were discovered in blood spots located throughout the premises. Ms. Buckney’s DNA was identified on a knife bearing bloodstains. Photographic evidence presented to the jury depicted a fractured table leg and shelving that displayed what appeared to be flesh and blood stains, which likewise corresponded to the victim’s DNA. Mr. Whitelock had previously been convicted in 2001 for the killings of two men, one of whom was his brother, and was subsequently released from prison after completing a life sentence. The court was informed that, based on the balance of probabilities, Mr. Whitelock’s assault could not be linked to head injuries he had sustained in the preceding weeks. The jury was apprised that the defendant had informed Dr. Mohammed Shaffiullha that he had fallen from a bridge and struck his head in late July 2022, and subsequently could not recollect receiving hospital treatment. In a report submitted by the consultant psychiatrist in May 2024, it was concluded that while a head injury might serve as a partial defense for murder on grounds of diminished responsibility, Mr. Whitelock’s conduct could also be associated with potential drug withdrawal, intoxication, and a chest infection. However, in a subsequent report dated July 2024, the psychiatrist determined that he did not believe Mr. Whitelock’s actions at the time of the killing stemmed from a head injury, but rather that alcohol and drugs were contributing factors. The jury was informed that he regularly consumed cannabis, diazepam, and alcohol. Dr. Shaffiullha indicated that Mr. Whitelock’s statement made after the attack, in which he informed neighbors that he had killed Ms. Buckney, constituted significant elements in his overall conclusion. The trial remains ongoing.