Drugs changed Pembroke Dock killer, inquest hears

Lisa Fraser was killed in her own home

The father of a man who killed a woman in her own home said his son's life "changed after harder drugs messed with his head".

David Harris told an inquest that his son, Matthew, had "taken the wrong path in life".

The inquest in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, is looking into the death of Lisa Fraser, who was 52, and was found dead at her Pembroke Dock house in May 2022 with multiple stab wounds.

Matthew Harris, who was 41, told police he was "guilty as charged" after being arrested at the scene, and later died in hospital after attempting to take his life in prison.

His dad said he was aware of him having mental health problems from around the age of 16, and he "wasn't getting any help at all".

Mr Harris said his son was jailed in 2017 for five years for supplying drugs and his mental health problems became "much worse" after he left prison.

The inquest also heard from relatives and friends, who described Matthew Harris as paranoid and unpredictable.

When he was charged with murder, criminal damage, threats to kill and robbery on 15 May, he told police: "I am insane and need help."

Mr Harris was remanded to HMP Swansea before being transferred to Long Lartin prison, Worcestershire.

On 27 May 2022, he attempted to take his life, and died a day later at a local hospital.

Ms Fraser was found dead in her home, with a murder investigation then launched

A friend of Matthew Harris, Shane Pearce, gave evidence about his mental state and behaviour before the fatal attack.

Mr Pearce works part time at the mental health charity the VC Gallery in Haverfordwest, and he confirmed to Assistant Coroner Paul Bennett that he was aware Mr Harris was suffering with drug problems.

He was asked whether Matthew Harris had described having a split personality, and replied: "Yes, we did have a conversation like that.

"A lot of the conversations with Matthew were quite cryptic.

"He was not officially a client, he was a friend."

He confirmed that he knew about Matthew Harris's significant drug issues and described his personality as "unpredictable."

Written evidence was heard from Matthew Harris' brother Daniel.

He said they had "a good childhood" but he became distant from his brother, adding his mother told him Matthew was "bipolar" but did not take his medication, and had an "addiction to painkillers".

Emma Parsley, a nurse who examined Matthew Harris after he was arrested, also gave written evidence.

He had told her that he suffered from "anxiety and depression" and had an opioid dependency.

The inquest continues.