Sir Richard Sutton: Photos of bloodstained Dorset mansion shown to murder trial jury

Pictures of the heavily bloodstained floors of a Dorset millionaire's mansion have been shown to the jury of a murder trial.

Thomas Schreiber is accused of murdering hotelier Sir Richard Sutton and trying to kill his own mother - Sir Richard's partner - Anne Schreiber.

The 35-year-old has previously admitted the manslaughter of Sir Richard and pleaded guilty to driving a Range Rover dangerously on the A303, A4 and M3.

He denies murder and attempted murder and during his trial at Winchester Crown Court today (December 6), the jury was shown pictures of blood stains at the Moorhill estate near Gillingham.

Photographs of the kitchen showed a bloodstained floor, with kitchen cabinets also stained with blood after the attack in April of this year.

Forensic scientist Martin Crooks said both the defendant’s and Sir Richard’s footprints could be seen in the blood but none of Ms Schreiber’s were found.

He said footprints from both Sir Richard and the defendant were also found in the pantry, the study, on the stairs and upstairs.

Mr Crooks said the footprints suggested Sir Richard had lost his right shoe by the time he reached upstairs, with marks from his sock visible on the carpet.

Adam Feest QC, prosecuting, told the court Ms Schreiber was attacked by her son in the kitchen.

The prosecutor said a post-mortem examination of Sir Richard’s body and an examination of the “extensively bloodstained scene” suggested he was attacked downstairs.

He then managed to go upstairs, possibly to make an emergency call, where, after a “pause” in the violence, he was attacked again and died, Mr Feest said.

The post-mortem by Home Office pathologist Dr Basil Purdue found the injuries Sir Richard suffered included three deep wounds to his face as well as five stab wounds to his chest, up to 4.7in (12cm) deep.

Sir Richard also suffered wounds to his hands and arms.

Mr Feest said previously: “This indicates that Sir Richard was aware that he was being attacked and was capable of attempting vigorously to ward off or gain possession of a sharp-edged weapon being wielded against him by the defendant.”

Police found Ms Schreiber severely injured in the kitchen of the property.

She had suffered up to 15 separate injuries, including wounds to the back of her head, arm and chest as well as to her neck, shoulder and back. She is now paralysed.

Mr Feest told the jury in the opening of the prosecution case: “Of most significance, one had caused a partial transection of the spinal cord and it is this injury which led to the most serious and ongoing physical consequences.”

Ms Schreiber gave evidence last week by video-link from hospital and described how she was attacked by her son.

Schreiber denies murder and attempted murder and the trial continues.