Wick murder accused claims he 'lashed out in self defence' after being struck by ashtray
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A man accused of murdering his friend said he may have “struck out” in self defence after being smashed over the head with an ashtray during an alcohol fuelled row.
Bruce Rothwell (62) is on trial at the High Court in Inverness accused of the murder of Thomas McTeir at a house in Wick on June 13, 2020.
Prosecutors claim Rothwell assaulted Mr McTeir by inflicting blunt force trauma and then compressing his neck, causing him to die three days later at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness.
A special defence of self-defence has been lodged.
On Monday, Rothwell took to the stand to give evidence in his own defence.
Rothwell's solicitor Tony Lenehan spent the afternoon questioning his client.
The High Court heard that the pair had been drinking acquaintances and that on the day in question they spent the afternoon drinking a litre of vodka between them at Rothwell's home in Wick's Barrogill Street.
Rothwell, a former motorcycle courier turned IT adviser, said Mr McTeir had been in a difficult mood on the day, due to reasons he could not work out, which eventually led to a disagreement.
Giving evidence, Rothwell said: “There was something about him. There was something not right.
“It wasn't like we were rowing or raising our voices or anything.”
The court heard Rothwell claim that he went into the kitchen to “refresh his glass” with more vodka when he said he was struck by Mr McTeir (50).
Rothwell said: “It might have been something about me refreshing my glass. Drinking it too fast or something.
“I went in to get the vodka bottle and the next thing I knew I was hit by something hard and heavy.
“I can only assume it was that ashtray.
“I've got blood pouring down my face. I couldn't see. I can only assume I lashed out at Tommy in self defence.”
The court heard repeatedly during Rothwell's evidence that the pair had been drinking throughout the afternoon but that an argument was clearly brewing between them.
Rothwell said: “I've got no memory of striking Tommy.
“I said 'what have you done to me?' I'm assuming I've lashed out in self-defence as a result of the attack.”
Rothwell phoned an ambulance, the court heard, hysterical at points according to a 999 call transcript read to the jury.
He was heard laughing and making remarks such as “you better not f***ing die” as Mr McTeir lay on the floor foaming at the mouth.
During evidence, Rothwell said at one point he thought Mr McTeir was “play-acting” at being hurt.
At another point he said he believed that his friend could have been having a heart attack.
Rothwell denies murder.
His solicitor Mr Lenehan asked: “Did you try and strangle him?”
“No,” replied Rothwell.
The trial before Lord Arthurson continues.
