All the information has been compelling reading this week . I started making heaps of notes on variety of topics but maybe I will piece together (for my own mind) one piece of the jigsaw at a time to consider. I will leave those those incredibly damning facial scratches aside for the moment.
My first is Alison’s depression. From my notes in court in Monday and Courier Mail and Police statements I have pieced this together. Kerrie Anne Walker appeared quite reluctant to talk about Alison’s depression but with quite direct questioning by Peter Davis made a number of admissions
As a long term friend Kerrie Anne walker confirmed Alison suffered depression in 1997 as a side effect of anti-malaria drugs when travelling in South America on their honeymoon.
KA confirmed Alison Suffered post natal depression (PND) after the birth of H <modsnip> in 2001. KA confirmed there were a few occasions from 2001 onwards that Alison mentioned she was on anti-depressant medication. During the periods of depression Alison became more withdrawn and did not initiate as many catch ups. KA thought the nature of the relationship with GBC could have caused the depression.
In 2003 and 2007 Alison again suffered PND, sought help by going to GP and went back on medication.
After 2007 Alison suffered depression on various occasions. Some days were good for Alison and some days she did not feel like going out of the house.
KA admitted depression continuted early 2009. KA believed by late 2009 Alisons state of mind was “completely solid”. Then at some stage it declined again. By 2010 Alison was back on anti-depressent medication but was only taking a “small dose”. Alison went to see a counselor in 2010 KA did not know of any further depression after 2010. She said that Alison and her caught up every 2 to 4 weeks and talked often on the phone as well. However KA admitted the last time she saw Alison was on 3rd Feb 2012. She had difficulty explaining why she did not see Alison again in the 11 week period before her death. KA was overseas twice but only for one week periods. She admitted to one phone call 25th Feb and a text.
KA stated it was a surprise for her when Peter Davis put it to her that Alison had seen a doctor in May 2011 because she was worried, experiencing low mood, tearfulness and anxiety.
PD again put it to KA did she know that Alison had been to a doctor on 19th March 2012 experiencing bad mood swings and the doctor increased her Zoloft from 50mg to 100mg.
I believe the conclusion could easily be drawn that Alison was again significantly depressed and by KAs own testimony Alsion did not initiate as many catch ups when she was depressed.
(Completely unrelated to depression but significant when KA visiting the Baden Clay home on 20th April she could not help noticing 3 scratch marchs on GBCs face. She stated “they appeared to be fresh and weeping”. This could potentially place the scratches as a lot “fresher” than other experts have stated by looking at the photos.)
The evidence of Elise Nielson reported in the Courier Mail on Day 2 supported significant depression
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/...-of-wife-allison/story-e6freoof-1226595359813
She had an indepth discussion in 2011 with Alison when she went to a psychiatrist. Alison was adamant she was not coping.Helped convince her to go back on medication and get help with housework. Alsion was convinced G would leave her because of the depression he court heard she then asked if Allison had been taking her medication.. Elise contacted G after Alison was reported missing.
"You were thinking she had done something to herself," Mr Davis said.
"It crossed my mind," she replied.
In Gerards interview with police on the 20th he mentions Alsion’s depression. So does OW in THAT interview after G was released from hospital following his car car crash.
It was also interesting that Phillip Broom (from his statement) [ame="http://www.websleuths.com/forums/showthread.php?t=202113"]Bail Hearing Documents *No Discussion* - Websleuths Crime Sleuthing Community[/ame]
Philip outlined a lot of interaction between himself G and his girls over a long period of time but rarely saw Alsion. Elaine had also discussed Alison’s depression with Philip.
With the documented marital stress (Alison’s knowledge of Gs affair etc) and financial troubles coupled with resurgence of depression, it could be argued this left Alison in a vulnerable state,.
The coroner with the autopsy report again discusses her history of depression.
[ame="http://www.websleuths.com/forums/showthread.php?t=202113"]Bail Hearing Documents *No Discussion* - Websleuths Crime Sleuthing Community[/ame]
Of significance “2003 a psychiatrist diagnosed a moderately severe recurrence of a major depressive illness. Around this time she had been prone to transient suicidal thoughts”
On page 14 we get a clue of a possible line that the defence will take regards potential suicide. Drowning was considered a possible cause of death. Injuries from a height also need to be considered. The coroner notes that Alison’s body was found directly under the bridge “there would have been some movement of the body after impacat with ground or water. This could have been by herslf, by another person or by the tide….. “ He also noted that if Alson fell into the water the degree of injuries could be less.
From the evidence regards Zoloft levels, I think an overdose of Zoloft may be dead in the water however Peter Davis was keen on the sessions I saw on Monday to establish how Coroner came to conclusions regards “safe” Zoloft levels. I am sure some more ferreting in the medical literature will occur to try and come up with that potential.