Murder accused's DNA found on victim's underwear

Wendy Buckney was found naked and covered in a jacket at her flat on Tan y Coed Road

A man's DNA was found on the underwear of the 71-year-old woman he is accused of murdering in a frenzied attack, a court has heard.

Brian Whitelock, 57, allegedly used a knife, table leg and items of shelving to kill his neighbour, retired riding instructor Wendy Buckney, in Clydach, Swansea in August 2022.

However, the origin of a trace amount of sperm cells discovered by separate vaginal swabs taken from Ms Buckney, who was found naked and covered in a jacket, had proved inconclusive.

Mr Whitelock has denied murder but admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Forensic scientist Neil Wilson also told Swansea Crown Court that examination of blood pooling and splatter at Ms Buckney's one bedroom flat on Tan y Coed Road indicated she had been hit while lying on the floor or while she was close to it.

In addition, diluted blood was found on the sink and cabinet in the bathroom, while tests on the taps gave a similar positive reaction to blood.

Mr Whitelock, 57, who is defending himself, had earlier told the court: "I am not denying I am responsible for the death of Wendy Buckney."

He made the comments as he cross examined the detective who interviewed him and later charged him with murder.

Describing his medical condition during police interviews, Mr Whitelock said: "I was pumped full of diazepam and rolling around.

"The court needs to see the CCTV evidence - I had no idea of what I was saying."

He accused the officer and his colleagues of laughing at him while he was in custody.

"You all thought it was funny," Mr Whitelock told him.

The defendant was convicted of killing two men, including his own brother, in 2001 and had been released from prison after serving a life sentence.

He murdered Nicky Morgan, 34, by hitting him over the head with a pick axe or hammer in 2000 after a drink and drug-fuelled argument at his home in Blaenymaes, Swansea.

He then set the property on fire, killing his brother Glenn who was asleep there.

The trial continues.