Drumchapel man accused of murdering wife to be assessed at Carstairs

A Drumchapel accused of murdering his wife by tying her up and striking her on the head and body with a mallet is being sent to the State Hospital for assessment.

Peter Maher , 57, is alleged to have killed mother-of-three Jeanna Maher, 51, at her home in Drumchapel, Glasgow last September 26.

Earlier at the High Court in Glasgow judge Lord Turnbull agreed that Maher should be sent to the State Hospital from February 18 for 28 days to assess his mental state.

Prosecutor Stephen Borthwick said: “The Crown received a report from a doctor at the State hospital and that forms the basis for applying for an assessment order. There is a bed available on Tuesday, February 18 and he will be transported from Barlinnie that day. The order lasts for 28 days."

Prosecutors claim Mrs Maher – an Asda supermarket worker - had her wrists and ankles bound with ligatures before being repeatedly struck with a mallet or similar item.

Maher, who was represented yesterday by defence counsel Tony Lenehan, has not entered a plea.

Maher is also charged with attempting to defeat the ends of justice after the alleged murder.

This includes a claim that he cleaned blood from various surfaces at the house and changed bedding and his clothes.

He is further accused of assaulting his wife on various occasions between January 2012 until the day before the alleged killing.

The charge states – amongst several accusations – that he punched Mrs Maher as well as throwing a mobile phone and remote control at her.

The case will call again next month.