Son who killed mother to be kept in psychiatric hospital

While she was on the phone, Fraser attacked his father, slashed him on the arm and stabbed him in the chest.

The violence then spilled into the front garden.

Jessop added: “While Miriam MacDonald was on the call to the handler, Fraser attacked her, striking her on the neck with a knife.”

Fraser then went back out to his father and hit him again. His mother could be heard begging for help on the call.

Two neighbours heard what was happening and used a shovel and a golf club to chase Fraser away.

The court heard how Miriam MacDonald’s condition deteriorated and she died the following evening.

Her husband suffered a number of wounds including to his chest, arm and hands.

Fraser fled, but he was traced later that night at a river bank clutching a blood-stained knife.

Jessop said he was arrested and went on to make a number of incriminating comments.

Fraser appeared in court having been brought from the State Hospital at Carstairs.

Psychiatrists concluded that he was suffering from a mental disorder at the time and did not appreciate the “nature or wrongfulness” of his conduct.

Donald Findlay KC, defending, said: “He is a very intelligent young man, an outstanding career in prospect in government service in relation to radar and all sorts of research matters.

“But, something terrible has gone wrong.”