Two of the couple's children witnessed the fatal assault after an argument between Ms Harris and Eckersley, who had been using a hammer to smash items in their kitchen after emptying the cupboards and fridge.Prosecutor Brendan Kissane QC said Eckersley had"exhibited various controlling behaviours" during his 17-year relationship with Ms Harris.
Mr Kissane said Eckersley had sought medical assistance for depression in the week before the murder and began taking anti-depressants. Eckersley's plea hearing in the Victorian Supreme Court heard Ms Harris had sought help from family members including Eckersley's estranged sister, who she contacted over social media days before her death.
"Your brother needs you, he's about to have a breakdown, his depression is really bad," Ms Harris wrote.The court heard that after murdering Ms Harris, Eckersley told a friend,"I think she was poisoning me and the kids … it's all got to do with these pills". Defence barrister Tim Marsh told the court the case was a"nasty example of domestic murder", but that Eckersley was suffering delusions at the time.The hearing before Justice John Champion continues.
A side effect of anti depressants that isn’t well enough known:
Well that's the saddest thing ive read today.