First paragraph reads: "An Auckland man accused of using his car as a deadly weapon will go on trial for murder, attempted murder and assault."

Paragraph six reads: "The same day of the accident, Tony Worrell had been released from hospital after mixing anti-depressants and alcohol. His wife says it was the last straw."

http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/536641/2420942

Deadly rampage accused to go on trial

7:20PM Monday December 15, 2008

An Auckland man accused of using his car as a deadly weapon will go on trial for murder, attempted murder and assault.

Tony Worrell is charged with going on a rampage which left 26-year-old newlywed Katie Powels dead and another man seriously injured. Whilst driving intoxicated, Worrell's vehicle crossed the centre line.

The Crown says he was acting with murderous intent, while his lawyer argued his client was impaired by a combination of alcohol and medication.

At times the evidence seemed to overwhelm the accused. Worrell broke down in court as his ex-wife testified he had been drinking the day he smashed his car, taking one life and coming dangerously close to taking others.

"His speech was slurred and he was swaying a bit when he walked," Lynette Worrell said in court on Monday.

The same day of the accident, Tony Worrell had been released from hospital after mixing anti-depressants and alcohol. His wife says it was the last straw.

"His drinking had been a problem for quite some time and I had had enough of it and I asked him to leave the home."

Powels' grieving family is now facing the ordeal of a trial next year.