THE man accused of murdering Sir Richard Sutton and attempting to murder his own mother was “intent on escaping” and fled the scene at speeds of up to 135mph, a court heard.

Thomas Schreiber stands trial at Winchester Crown Court, accused of murdering millionaire Sir Richard, 83, and attempting to murder Sir Richard’s partner, and defendant’s mother, Anne Schreiber at Moorhill in Higher Langham, Gillingham.

The 35-year-old defendant denies the allegations. Prosecutors finished opening their case on day three of the trial on Wednesday, December 1.

Adam Feest QC, prosecuting, said following the attack on April 7, Thomas Schreiber was “intent on escaping” and said that two separate knives used in the incident proves it was a sustained attack and the defendant didn’t lose control.

Mr Feest QC told jurors the defendant was found with two passports, one British and one Danish, when he was arrested in London.

“Two passports found on his person indicates a clear desire to escape, despite what he was to say to police that he wanted to be killed,” the prosecutor said.

“You may want to consider the mindset of a person who takes two passports, a phone charger, a packed case as he leaves the property.

“The actions we say were of a man intent of escaping because of what he had done, and escape he did.”

Mr Feest QC added the defendant was seen at approximately 8.15pm in the Salisbury area by police.

When officers tried to stop him, he fled at speeds of 135mph before eventually being stopped in London.

As officers approached, he repeatedly stabbed himself in the chest, before being tasered and arrested.

In interview with police, the defendant said: “It’s all very regrettable now.”

He added in a phone call from custody to his sister he “loved” Sir Richard and his mother, the court was told.

Two large knives were found at the scene, one with Ms Schreiber’s DNA on it and one with Sir Richard’s on.

Mr Feest QC said: “In the context of how this event unfolded, the use of two separate, distinct weapons is a matter of significance you will need to consider, particularly if it is suggested he just lost control.

“You will want to consider a selection of a second weapon and a pause in proceedings.”

Joe Stone QC, representing the defendant, said their key defences for murder were that Thomas Schreiber was acting with diminished responsibility, and had an “abnormality” in his mental function and that he “lost control”.

For the defence of attempted murder, the defendant did not intend to kill his mother, the court heard.

Schreiber, of Gillingham, denies murder and attempted murder. The trial continues.