Murder accused 'took anxiety drugs' after arrest, court hears
A man on trial for the murder of his wife was taking antidepressants and drugs to suppress anxiety after his arrest, a jury in the Central Criminal Court has heard.
Afrikaner, Mr Anton Mulder (aged 46), of Maelduin, Dunshaughlin, Co Meath but originally from Durban in South Africa, denies murdering his Irish-born wife Colleen Suzanne Mulder on the morning of December 17, 2004.
The 41-year-old mother-of-six was strangled in her bed.
Dr Henry Kennedy, clinical director of the Central Mental Hospital told defence counsel Mr Roderick O'Hanlon SC that he had been to see Mr Mulder three days after his arrest and had prescribed him antidepressants.
He agreed with Mr Gerry Clarke SC, prosecuting, in cross examination, that it was normal practice for a psychiatric evaluation to be sought as there was an increased risk of suicide in such cases.
He confirmed that Mr Mulder had never, to his knowledge been admitted as an inpatient to a psychiatric hospital and said he had "never considered" admitting him on either of the two occasions when he had seen him.
The trial continues tomorrow before Mr Justice Kevin O'Higgins and the jury of 10 men and two women.
