A former Otago University tutor accused of murder was an obsessively competitive man who accused colleagues of plagiarism and made others feel worthless, a High Court jury has been told.
Clayton Weatherston has pleaded not guilty to murdering his ex-girlfriend and student Sophie Elliott in Dunedin in January 2008.
Mr Weatherston, 33, has admitted a charge of manslaughter at the High Court in Christchurch.
The defence says he was provoked by Miss Elliott attacking him with scissors and by their tumultuous relationship.
Crown witness Robert Alexander, a senior economics lecturer, told the court on Friday he did not hold Mr Weatherston in high regard in terms of his academic ability or his relationships with colleagues.
Professor Alexander said he disapproved of Mr Weatherston's relationship with one of his students, Miss Elliott, who was 22.
But defence lawyer Greg King argued that Professor Alexander had always strongly disliked Mr Weatherston.
Mr King said this was reflected in Professor Alexander's examination of the accused's thesis and his attempts to prevent him from gaining permanent employment at the university.
Mr King said the fact Professor Alexander discussed Mr Weatherston with Miss Elliott indicated that his relationship with her was also inappropriate.
