A MAN accused of murdering a woman by attacking and smothering her at a flat in Renfrewshire is unfit to stand trial.

Shaun Wilson, 30, was charged with killing Kymberli Sweeney, 27, at her home in the Gallowhill area of Paisley on February 1, 2020.

It had been alleged that he punched and kicked her and repeatedly struck her on the head and body with an unknown implement, causing her to fall to the ground.

It was claimed that he then applied pressure to her mouth, restricted her breathing and smothered her.

Prosecutors say the alleged offence was aggravated by the fact it involved the abuse of a partner or former partner.

Wilson was also charged with assaulting Miss Sweeney on an occasion between November 7 and December 3, 2019, by striking her on the body and dragging her by the hair.

As he has been deemed unfit for trial, an 'examination of facts' hearing into the circumstances of the case began at the High Court in Glasgow today.

Advocate depute Euan Cameron said a judge had stated Wilson was unfit for trial as he was "very unwell due to psychiatric health."

Wilson, who is currently at the state hospital in Carstairs, Lanarkshire, had his attendance excused.

The court heard from Miss Sweeney’s friend Pamela Nelson, who stated she was in phone contact with her on the day she died.

She told police in a statement that, during a call, Miss Sweeney had said her name before hanging up.

Miss Nelson added that she called back and spoke to Wilson, who was using Miss Sweeney’s phone.

Wilson allegedly said: “I f***ing battered her and I took her legs away from her and gave her a few jabs. She hit me.”

Miss Nelson stated she shouted at Wilson, who told her that he was outside and Miss Sweeney was inside.

The court heard that Miss Nelson went to Miss Sweeney’s flat, in Abbot Street, and banged on the windows but received no response.

Call records show that Miss Nelson dialled 999 at 6.30pm that day.

The court earlier heard from Detective Sergeant Neil Martin, 52, who was tasked as crime scene manager for the flat.

He stated he was informed about Miss Sweeney being found dead in the early evening.

The hearing was shown pictures of the flat from later that night.

Miss Sweeney was identified as a body dressed in black that was lying over the threshold of the bedroom into the hallway.

Mr Cameron asked: "She is lying face down with her hands raised slightly above her head?"

DS Martin replied: "Yes."

Mr Cameron then asked: "This was the position she was in when you attended at the flat?"

The officer responded: "Yes."

The court was also shown pictures of the kitchen, which showed a cutlery drawer lying on the floor.

Items such as a knife, a pair of scissors, a teaspoon and plastic bags were strewn across the ground.

DS Martin told the court that swabs were taken from Miss Sweeney and three mobile phones were seized.

The inside of the front door was also seen to have damage to it, including a broken chain.

The examination of facts continues before judge Lady Rae.