KNYSNA NEWS - The alleged Sedgefield Hammer-killer has been ordered to go for psychiatric evaluation by the Knysna Magistrate's Court.
The 50-year-old Sean Kelly is charged with murdering Noreen Hampson,67, on Friday 2 February this year. She was bludgeoned to death in front of her house in Marigold Street, Sedgefield. Hampson died on the scene from injuries to her head. The murder weapon is believed to be a hammer.
Conducting his own defence, Kelly admitted to killing Hampson in open court during his bail application on Thursday 14 February in Knysna, but argued that the act did not constitute murder as it was not premeditated.
Kelly is also facing numerous other charges including assault, resisting arrest and malicious damage to property.
During a lengthy address filled with seeming incoherencies, Kelly testified that he intends to plead not guilty and cited reasons to be released on bail. When mentioning one such a reason – a need to take care of his dog and cat – Kelly broke down in tears. Opposing bail, state prosecutor Zukile Mqolo called investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Vusumzi Xokozela, who told the court how, on 2 February around 18:00 a neighbour heard Kelly shouting and went to inspect.
According to the detective's testimony, the neighbour saw Kelly running to Hampton's house where, it was testified, he started hitting Hampson who was standing on a ladder.
Kelly appeared briefly in the Knysna Magistrates Court on Tuesday when the case was postponed for his psychiatric evaluation.
The matter is now scheduled to be heard in the Knysna Magistrate's Court on 16 May while Kelley remains in custody.
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