Son of murder victim is a rapist

David Henton and Joyce Sutton were 'devoted' said her son

The son of pensioner Joyce Sutton, who was found battered to death in her home, is a convicted rapist with a penchant for violence, a court heard.

Darren Sutton, 44, was initially arrested on suspicion of the murder in Skewen but was released without charge, Swansea Crown Court heard.

He was giving evidence about the man who was eventually charged with her murder - her partner David Henton, 72.

Mr Sutton said Mr Henton, of Neath, who denies the charge, was "wonderful".

Mrs Sutton, 65, a widow with one son, died after being violently battered around the head in her bed in what initially appeared to be a break-in.

The court heard Mr Henton reported finding his partner of 30 years just after 0800 GMT on 11 January, 2006.

I like watching violent TV films and going on computer sites that show deaths and executions Darren Sutton

He was arrested for her murder a year later.

Mr Sutton told the court Mr Henton was "extraordinarily kind" and that the defendant and his mother had been a "devoted" couple.

He said Mr Henton would lend him money, including £1,400 for his divorce, and would drive him anywhere he wanted.

He agreed he told officers Mr Henton had nursed his mother calmly and patiently, while Mr Sutton himself had lost his patience with her.

Lottery ticket

He told police his mother previously used to scream and bang her head against the wall and was sectioned, but Mr Henton had changed her life and had been "her rock".

But under cross examination, Mr Sutton, who is currently released on licence from prison for rape, admitted he himself had a temper and had, at times, been a horrible man who could snap for no reason.

Questioned by Elwen Evans QC, defending Mr Henton, Mr Sutton said: "I like watching violent TV films and going on computer sites that show deaths and executions."

Mr Sutton also agreed he was very money-orientated.

He told the court he had asked the police if he could have any money that had been left in the house and his mother's lottery ticket which was worth around £50.

Secretly taped

Miss Evans asked why he had told his wife to tell the police he had killed his mother.

Mr Sutton replied: "I wanted it all to end, the flowers, cards, sympathy was getting too much for me."

Mr Sutton was arrested for rape in May 2006 - the same month he was also arrested in connection with his mother's death.

He told the jury at Mr Henton's trial that he pleaded guilty to rape and was jailed for three years.

Mr Sutton told the court an enhanced thinking skills programme at the prison had helped him control his temper.

The court had previously heard that police had secretly taped Mr Henton last year, who lives alone, apparently confessing to his cats.

The prosecution claims Mr Henton murdered Mrs Sutton, then broke a window in the back door of her home to make it look like a burglary.

The trial continues.