Stephen Farrow trial: "I tried to kill Archbishop"

THE man accused of murdering a vicar in Thornbury wanted to kill the Archbishop of Canterbury, a court has heard.

Stephen Farrow had also planned to crucify Rev John Suddards when he broke into his home at St Mary's Parish Church vicarage in Castle Street in February, it was claimed.

Bristol Crown Court heard that Farrow, 48, told people he had been abused by a priest as a child.

Mental health nurse Richard Evans said he assessed Farrow, above, after his first appearance before magistrates in February following Mr Suddards' death.

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"He told me he watched him die and there was a significant amount of blood," said Mr Evans. "He said it was about 7pm and he spent time trashing the house to make it look like a burglary had taken place.

"He said he arranged items around the body, such as a mirror and a picture of Christ next to the body."

Mr Evans said Farrow acknowledged that the killing of Mr Suddards was likely to be considered psychopathic.

The nurse told the jury: "He told me about a bag that contained a hammer and some nails in Eastbourne. He had initially thought about using the hammer and nails to crucify the vicar, but changed his mind. He told me he had been to Canterbury several times to work out if he could kill Rowan Williams, the Archbishop, but there was too much security."

Farrow alluded to being sexually abused when aged six, Mr Evans said.

Mr Evans said: "He made it clear, without prompting, that he didn't do it for the notoriety or recognition. He felt something was going to happen in his life in 2012. He talked about the second coming of Christ."

Farrow did not discuss his second alleged victim Betty Yates, Mr Evans said, except to deny killing her.

He added that before stabbing Mr Suddards to death, Farrow accused the church of sexually abusing him.

Farrow also told police surgeon Naveed Tippu he had been abused by a priest at boarding school when he was aged 11, the court heard.

A volunteer worker at another church frequented by Farrow also gave evidence.

Michaela Rowsell said he had sent her a series of threatening text messages. In one, he said: "As you reject me, you will suffer. I will be just round the corner and you will never know when I will be there."

Shortly before Mrs Yates was found dead, he texted: "I've already started my work and won't stop 'til I'm caught.

"You will soon know the truth and the Church will be the first to suffer and I don't lie about what is about to happen. You can all go to hell. Watch the news, Piggy, because you will know it was me."

Farrow admits manslaughter of Rev Suddards in February but denies murder. He also denies the murder of Mrs Yates in January.

He admits burgling another home in Thornbury in December.

The case continues.