A MAN accused of murder told a psychiatrist that when he experiences flashbacks and anxiety at times he can black out and act violently, a court heard.

Forensic psychiatrist Gauruv Malhan carried out an assessment on Lawangeen Abdulrahimzai, who is on trial charged with murdering 21-year-old Tom Roberts in Bournemouth.

Abdulrahimzai, 21, told the jury from the witness box at Salisbury Crown Court that he feared for his life when he became involved in an altercation with Mr Roberts and James Medway outside Subway in Old Christchurch Road in the early hours on March 12 last year.

Giving evidence in court on Tuesday, January 17, Dr Malhan said Abdulrahimzai became “anxious and distressed” when the subject of the stabbing was brought up during their three-hour interview.

Dr Malhan said the defendant told him he was experiencing flashbacks to the abuse he reported suffering throughout his life.

The psychiatrist said he offered the defendant a break during the assessment as his anxiety could lead to flashbacks and a blackout episode.

Asked specifically what he meant by this, Dr Malhan said: “He (Abdulrahimzai) just described that when he experiences flashbacks and anxiety at times he can blackout and act violently."

Bournemouth Echo:

In his opinion on the defendant, Dr Malhan said he was unable to give a conclusive diagnosis for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or complex PTSD, although there were traits of both.

The psychiatrist confirmed that it was his view that Abdulrahimzai met the diagnostic criteria for borderline personality disorder.

The defendant met some but not all diagnostic criteria for dissocial personality disorder, Dr Malhan said.

The jury heard agreed facts relating to reports and records about the defendant from authorities since he arrived in the UK in late 2019.

References were made to the defendant suffering flashbacks to his past and nightmares that the Taliban were out to kill him.

Abdulrahimzai reported experiencing headaches and he asked for a referral to be made to child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS).

A report from August 3, 2021, said an initial CAMHS assessment found the defendant had many areas of need, including flashbacks and trust issues.

Abdulrahimzai, of Hill Street, Poole, denies murder. He has admitted manslaughter. The trial continues.

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