Man killed his mum after being accused of trying to poison his dad

A man killed his mother while she was on a phone call with police to report him for trying to poison his father.

Thomas Fraser, 31, stabbed Miriam MacDonald, 52, and attacked his 55-year-old dad Ian at their home in Inverness on 1 June last year.

The High Court in Glasgow heard Fraser had been a PhD student with a potential future career working in radar technology, before his mental health declined and he moved back home in 2023.

He had faced murder and attempted murder charges, but was acquitted after prosecutors accepted he was suffering from a mental disorder at the time. Fraser is receiving treatment at a high-security psychiatric hospital.

Judge Lord Mulholland adjourned the hearing until July for updated medical reports.

The court heard that Fraser had a Master's degree in electronic engineering and had undertaken further studies at Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh.

However, there had been a decline in his mental health at university and he moved back to Inverness where he became "reclusive".

Days before the attacks, Fraser was confronted by his parents about suspected cleaning products in the water tank of their coffee machine.

Later, on 1 June, his father opened a drinks can before leaving it unattended on a table.

After the family had dinner, MacDonald had more of his drink.

Prosecutor Graeme Jessop KC said: "Upon drinking from it, the contents tasted flat and had a chemical taste.

"This caused Ian MacDonald to spit it out into the kitchen sink."

Fraser denied any involvement, but his mother called police with her concerns.

Jessop said: "While Miriam MacDonald was still on the phone, her husband started walking out of the kitchen.

"He looked behind him and saw Fraser holding a knife in each hand. He then proceeded to lunge towards Mr MacDonald."

The court heard that Fraser attacked both his mother and father inside the house, and then in the front garden after his parents had staggered outside.

Two neighbours, who were alerted to the incident, armed themselves with a shovel and a golf club to chase Fraser away.

He was later traced by police at a riverbank still holding a bloodied knife. He made a string of "disturbing" remarks including: "I am Lucifer".

Miriam MacDonald died in hospital the following evening.

Donald Findlay KC, defending, told the court: "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."