Man 'raped and murdered his own mother whilst high on cocaine', court told

Alexander McDonald, 27, admits manslaughter but denies murdering his 57 year old mother

Alexander McDonald is accused of killing his mother (Avon Somerset Police)

A man raped and murdered his own mother whilst high on cocaine, a court has heard.

Alexander McDonald, 27, admits manslaughter but denies murdering his 57 year old mother Catherine in September.

Prosecutor Simon Laws QC told Exeter Crown Court that Mr McDonald had become drunk at a wine tasting session and had taken cocaine on the evening of his mother’s death.

The Daily Mirror reports that the court heard that the only child was “in a state of sexual excitement” after exchanging sexually explicit text messages when he entered his mother’s house in Norton Fitzwarren near Taunton in Somerset in the early hours of the morning.

Mr Laws told the court: “The evidence suggests she was attacked while she was in bed asleep. It was a surprise attack. She stood no chance against her 27 year old son who is well over six feet tall.”

He said that her son used scissors to “force her to submit to a sexual assault” as well as raping her. In total, the prosecution says that at least three weapons were used, including a kitchen knife and an electric power cable.

The court was told that a condom was found and DNA was discovered on Ms McDonald’s body. The prosecution said that Mr McDonald tried to flee the scene in his mother’s Smart car but crashed; overturning the vehicle.

He was arrested by police who then discovered that his mother had been murdered.

Mr McDonald, a restaurant worker, was described in court as being a “laid back and gentle” person.

He denies the charge of murder.

The trial continues.