Alberto Fioletti's mental health 'was involved in murder'

Alberto Fioletti had an “incapacity to control behavioural explosions” because of his emotionally unstable personality disorder.

This is what was argued by Fioletti’s defence barristers at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday.

The defendant, 31, is facing trial for the murder of his ex-partner Stephanie Hodgkinson, 34, who was found with stab wounds at her Bournemouth home.

He has admitted a charge of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility but denies murder.

• Read more: Bournemouth murder trial of Alberto Fioletti continues

Representing Fioletti, Nicholas Haggan KC said his client’s emotionally unstable personality disorder played a “significant contributory factor” in the killing of Stephanie on May 12.

In a closing speech, Mr Haggan KC shared a timeline of the defendant’s ‘lifelong’ struggles with his mental health.

Alberto Fioletti (Image: CPS)

It was said that his home life was “troubled from very early years”, with conflict between his parents and “aggressive behaviour” directed at him by his father.

At just aged four, teachers at Fioletti’s nursery suggested he was referred to a psychologist, which resulted in him beginning therapy, Mr Haggan KC said.

It was also noted that he begun self-harming in his early teenage years and was diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder at 14.

• Read more: Bournemouth murder trial: Accused 'needed new girlfriend'

The court heard that Fioletti struggled with mental health problems into his adult years, and “continued to look for support right up to an including Thursday, May 11” – the day before Stephanie’s death.

Defence barristers then considered the evidence of the two psychiatrists involved in the case – Dr Cornish and Dr Cummings.

Mr Haggan KC said: “There is but one point that divides those two psychiatrists.

Police at the scene in Bournemouth on May 12 (Image: Newsquest)

"Dr Cornish is of the opinion that the defendant’s disorder substantially impaired his ability to understand the nature of his conduct, form a rational judgement or exercise self-control, and that it does provide an explanation for his conduct.

“Dr Cummings is less sure about this, but as he told you in his evidence, he took a long time to arrive at his opinion.

“He told you that he could see himself making the very same arguments as Dr Cornish.

“He accepted that every aspect in which the defendant behaved could be attributed to his disorder and he conceded that Dr Cornish could be right in his conclusion.

“That is all that divides the two psychiatrists in the case, but not one word was said about this during the Crown's opening address. The Crown simply chose to ignore it.”

• Read more: Man accused in Bournemouth murder trial was 'out of control'

Addressing Fioletti's claims that he couldn't remember the stabbing, Mr Haggan KC said both psychiatrists had agreed it was "plausible" that the defendant had blocked out the memory because it was "too horrific". 

Mr Haggan KC continued: “We respectfully submit that during this trial the Crown has been attempting to ride two horses which have been travelling in two directions.

“On one hand, they suggest the defendant was able to control his emotions and manipulate people as a matter of choice.

"On the other hand, they have presented evidence which shows you the complete opposite.

“They can’t have it both ways.”

Addressing the jury, Mr Haggan KC said: "This trial is not about what happened in the kitchen on May 12, we all know what happened, it’s never been in dispute.

“This trial is about why it happened.

“We submit that there is a very obvious reason why it happened, but the Crown chose to ignore it.

“We say the defendant’s mental health had everything to do with what happened.”

The trial continues.