Stabbing accused Steven McKee weeps in court

A man accused of trying to kill his ex-fiancee has said he was devastated after she called off their wedding.

Steven McKee wept as he told a jury how he had taken pain-killers to try to take his own life when Lisa Whyte said she did not want to get married.

The 38-year-old glazier was giving evidence at his trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

He denies the attempted murder of Miss Whyte, 32, in Slamannan, Falkirk, the day after they were due to get married.

The court heard how the couple had a disagreement after the bride-to-be returned from her hen night to Newcastle on 18 July 2010.

Father-of-two Mr McKee said he had wanted her to come straight home because their daughters were upset.

But, he claimed Miss Whyte wanted to stay out with her group at a local pub before returning to their home.

Mr McKee said when she eventually came back, she told him: "We are finished."

He then described to the court how he spoke to Miss Whyte the following morning.

I would say that even up to the day of the wedding I thought it would go ahead”

He said: "I asked her what was happening. She said that it was over and that she was not going to marry me. I was devastated."

Mr McKee then cut up their passports, the jury heard.

The couple and their children had been due to go to Turkey the Friday after the wedding.

The trial was then told that the accused went upstairs and swallowed dozens of pain-killers as he felt he had nothing to live for.

McKee said he had spoken with a friend who suggested talking to Miss Whyte and giving her flowers.

He added: "I would say that even up to the day of the wedding, I thought it would go ahead.

"I had hoped that she would change her mind. Every time I spoke with her, I asked her. But every time, it was a straight down the line 'no'."

McKee is accused of attempting to murder Miss Whyte by stabbing her in the neck with a knife on the morning of 24 July.

The trial, before Judge Lord Kinclaven, continues.