THE psychiatrist appointed to give evidence for the defence team in the Ethan Stables trial has revealed the suspect attempted to take his own life in prison.

Consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr Matthew Appleyard has put forward the suggestion 20-year-old Stables has suffered from clinical depression.

Experts agree that depression can exacerbate the symptoms associated with an autistic spectrum disorder which Stables was first diagnosed with when he was five.

Examination of his medical records reveal he had been diagnosed with depression in February 2016.

"When under stress you can see an increase in the features of someone with an autistic spectrum disorder," the psychiatrist said.

Dr Appleyard also revealed Stables had attempted to commit suicide not long after he was arrested and taken into custody on June 27 of last year.

"In June 2017 he was prescribed antidepressant sertraline in Wandsworth Prison," he said.

"He attempted to commit suicide by overdosing on his medication leading to prison staff to increase their observations of him."

During the course of his trial at Leeds Crown Court Stables has been in custody at Doncaster Prison.

"A psychiatrist there decided to see if he needs transferring to a secure unit."

The judge asked if the report was available but was told it takes four weeks to prepare.