THE man accused of the murder of millionaire hotelier Sir Richard Sutton and paralysing his mother researched “revenge on gold-digging mother” in the days before he attacked the pair, a court has heard.

Thomas Schreiber, 35 and of Gillingham, Dorset, is accused at Winchester Crown Court of the murder of the 83-year-old baronet and the attempted murder of his mother Anne Schreiber on April 7 2021.

The attack happened at Sir Richard’s Moorhill estate near Gillingham, Dorset, which he shared with the Schreiber family following the separation of the defendant’s parents.

The trial has heard that the defendant believed his mother had moved in with Sir Richard to take advantage of his wealth and that he had been treated unfairly compared to his two sisters.

Rosie Latham, major crime analyst, told the trial that the defendant had repeatedly researched the topic of revenge on the internet in the weeks before the killing.

She said that on March 1 2021, he searched for “revenge on gold-digging mother” and on March 26 he looked up “consumed by thoughts of revenge”.

He also researched “family counselling”, “never satisfied mental state”, and “wanting mind of unhappiness and depression”.

And on April 6 2021, the day before the fatal incident, Thomas Schreiber looked up: “The hidden upsides of revenge – BBC Futures”, “How to overcome deep-seated desires for revenge – 13 steps”, and: “The psychology of revenge”.

He also looked up: “Ever want to get revenge? Try this instead – New York Times”, and: “Why betrayal hurts so much and who seeks revenge from Psychology Today”.

The court has heard that Thomas Schreiber was arrested in Chiswick, London, after leading armed police on a 135mph chase from Wiltshire.

Before he was Tasered and detained, Schreiber stabbed himself five times in the chest and told officers: “I just want to die, just let me die,” the court has heard.

The defendant was then taken to St Mary’s Hospital in London for treatment to his injuries.

PC Joseph French told the jury that he had been tasked with guarding the defendant while in the hospital.

He said he heard Thomas Schreiber say: “I was drunk and just snapped and attacked my mum with a knife.”

The officer added that the defendant continued by saying: “I attacked my mum and Richard with a knife then tried to kill myself.”

PC Tom Collins, also employed as a guard for the defendant, said that Thomas Schreiber became “visibly upset” after he had discussed “previous domestic violence” between him and Sir Richard.

The trial has heard the defendant was angered after Sir Richard had hit him.

Thomas Schreiber denies murder and attempted murder.

The trial continues.