Royal aide 'was suffering moderate depression'

Former royal aide Jane Andrews was suffering from depression when she killed her lover, the Old Bailey has heard.

Psychiatrist Dr Trevor Turner, who was called by the defence, said in his view Andrews's judgement had been "significantly impaired" when Tommy Cressman was stabbed to death.

But cross-examined by Bruce Houlder QC, prosecuting, Dr Turner admitted his diagnosis of "moderate" symptoms was not enough under law to find her judgment was "substantially impaired".

Andrews denies murdering Mr Cressman, 39, at their south-west London home on September 17 last year.

She told the court Mr Cressman fell on the kitchen knife while they were struggling in the bedroom.

Andrews, who worked as an assistant to the Duchess of York for nine years until 1997, denied prosecution claims she attacked the wealthy businessman after he said he would not marry her.

Dr Turner, who examined Andrews once before writing a report for the court, said her medical history and statements from friends showed she had typical symptoms of depression.

She had been prescribed anti-depressant medication on numerous occasions and in December 1997, a month after losing her job with the Duchess, was given Prozac.

Also that month, said the doctor, she had been taken to Charing Cross Hospital in a tearful state, threatening to harm herself. A history of overdose was recorded with attempts on the previous day and in August that year.

Dr Turner said Andrews also suffered from PCO syndrome, a hormonal disorder suffered by up to 10% of women, which is associated with depression.