A 32-year-old man has admitted stabbing his mother to death in a “frenzied” attack in an Aberdeenshire town.
Jonathon Divers struck Elizabeth Watson, 58, at least 40 times at their home in Peterhead’s Catto Drive in June 2023.
He was initially charged with murder but admitted the reduced charge of culpable homicide. The High Court in Glasgow was told that the plea was accepted on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
Sentence was deferred pending background reports until next month.
Divers – who has learning difficulties – attacked his mother when she told him to leave the property.
Prosecutor Bill McVicar said: “Divers stabbed her repeatedly with a kitchen knife he was carrying in his waistband of his trousers.”
A neighbour heard cries for help and found Ms Watson lying on the floor where there was a large amount of blood.
Police traced Divers to the bathroom where he was found to be smoking a cigarette. He said that he did not know what had happened.
Mr McVicar added: “A pathologist stated there were 40 sharp-force injuries to the head, neck and back.”
Donald Findlay KC, defending, told the court: “We can be satisfied that he grasps what his position is.
“He is profoundly sorry for what he did and it has caused him a great deal of pain and distress.”
Sentence was deferred to the High Court in Livingston by judge Andrew Cubie, who continued to detain Divers in a state mental hospital.
The judge said: “This was a frenzied attack in which you repeatedly stabbed her.
“It is disturbing a son killing his mother, and there is nothing I can say or do that can reflect the enormity of this deed.
“The consequences of your diminished responsibility mean you are unable to manage your emotions and maintain control – alcohol had a likely impact.”
He added: “You accept the death of a much-loved partner, daughter, grandmother who contributed to our community through her friends, family and church involvement.”
