Killer boyfriend had thoughts about abusing children - inquiry

James Kennedy was reported to police after telling nurses he had thoughts about sex with children

A man who stabbed his girlfriend to death told medical staff he had thoughts about sexually abusing children, an inquiry has heard.

James Kennedy, 37, was in a relationship with Joanne Gallacher, 33, after they met in a hospital mental health unit.

He later knifed her 57 times at his home in Biggar, Lanarkshire in December 2018.

A Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) is being held at Hamilton Sheriff Court after Kennedy admitted killing her due to diminished responsibility.

It heard that Kennedy was reported to police after he told nurses he had thoughts about having sex with children.

Mental health nurse James Quinn said he assessed Kennedy two weeks before he killed Joanne, when he was admitted to hospital after an attempt to kill himself.

A clinical note said: "The patient has admitted that he has thoughts of having sex with children. Notified police about it this evening."

Mr Quinn told the inquiry: "I can't remember if James told me that or if somebody else did but I have recorded it as important.

"Once that information is given to the police then it is for them to deal with."

The inquiry also heard that Ms Gallacher had told staff that she was a victim of domestic abuse, and that Kennedy had attacked a woman with a golf club and threatened to throw acid at people he believed were a threat .

Advocate Richard Templeton, representing the Gallacher family, asked Mr Quinn if he knew "Joanne had reported being a victim of domestic abuse" in October 2018.

Mr Quinn replied: "No."

The lawyer also asked if he was aware of the golf club incident before he was granted release from hospital.

Mr Templeton said: "These are highly relevant as to what risk was posed by James Kennedy.

"There is no reference to any risk of violence posed to the public."

Mr Quinn said: "The risk assessment I'm doing is against the person, not to the general public.

"Unless there was something blindingly obvious which I didn't get at the time and it didn't come up that he was a threat to anyone."

He said he found no reason for Kennedy to be detained in hospital and he was sent home.

Mr Quinn said he had "no concerns" about risk to Ms Gallacher or the public, but did believe Kennedy could harm himself.

Kennedy is being held in the State Hospital at Carstairs. The hearing, before Sheriff Michael Higgins, continues.