THE man accused of murdering 22-year-old Darwen woman Charlotte Flanagan asked to see police photographs of the murder scene during psychiatrist interviews, a court heard.

Gareth Horton, 29, of Walmsley Street, Darwen, denies murdering Charlotte after a New Year's Eve "Vicars and Tarts" party at the Barley Mow pub in London's West End.

Charlotte had gone to London and found work at the pub during a year out in the capital before beginning a nursing course.

The jury at the Old Bailey has been told the major issue in the case is whether Horton was acting with diminished responsibility.

A psychiatrist for the defence has told the trial that Horton appeared to be suffering from an episode of moderate depression and chronic low-mood illness dysthemia, which could have led to an abnormal state of mind, giving, in his opinion, grounds for diminished responsibility.

But prosecution lawyer Simon Dennison told the court Horton's actions on the night of the event did not appear to fit in with the symptoms of depression.

Now the prosecution have called their own psychiatrist to the stand, Dr Phillip Joseph.

He told the court that, in an interview with Horton in July this year, the defendant asked to see pictures of Charlotte when she was dead.

Dr Joseph said: "He said he had no explanation for the killing but said it was not through jealousy.

"He can only remember seeing her dead and he regularly has dreams about that."

Horton had lived with Charlotte as her lodger in Walmsley Street, Darwen, from May last year. He considered her to be his best friend, and according to Dr Joseph, "lived a solitary existence."

Both worked for social services at Blackburn with Darwen Council. Horton told Dr Joseph that their close friendship became strained when Charlotte began saying things behind his back at work.

Charlotte also accused him of saying things about her at work and though Horton apologised, he could not rid himself of a feeling of guilt and became depressed.

He also described Charlotte as having a 'vindictive streak and she took it out of me.'

Dr Joseph said: "Despite this, he felt she was someone he could confide in."

Charlotte left for London in September last year to take a year off for beginning a nursing course. Mr Horton told Dr Joseph that Charlotte felt everyone hated her at the council.

During his Christmas visit to see Charlotte, Horton learnt Charlotte had got a new boyfriend and confessed to Horton that she had fallen in love with her new man.

The defence psychiatrist has claimed that his chronic low mood and bout of depression could have led to feelings he had repressed -- including more than just friendship with Charlotte -- bubbling over and causing him to 'flip' and do things he normally wouldn't.

Charlotte went to St Cuthbert's Primary and St Wilfrid's Secondary schools and also worked as a mentor for the Trinity Partnership in Clitheroe.

(Proceeding)