Psychologist claims accused wife-killer was struggling to move on after separation

A man who allegedly murdered his estranged wife had struggled to move on from their marriage breakdown and was convinced she was having an affair, a court has heard.

Adrian Basham, 42, was charged with murder after Samantha Fraser, 38, was found dead inside her home’s garage on Phillip Island, south of Melbourne, on July 23 last year after failing to pick up her three kids.

Her tragic death was initially treated as suicide, but Basham was charged with her murder 11 days later.  

A hearing was told last October by Basham’s psychologist that he found it difficult to deal with the fact he could not see his children, it can now be revealed.

The details of the hearing have been reported by The Herald Sun after a suppression order blocking publication lapsed on Wednesday. 

Adrian Basham, 42, (left) who allegedly murdered his estranged wife Samantha Fraser, 38, (right on right) had struggled to move on from their separation and was convinced she was having an affair, a court has heard

Ms Fraser’s body was discovered in her garage on Phillip Island, south of Melbourne on July 23

Basham’s psychologist told Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court she had tried to play down the accused killer’s belief his wife was having an affair. 

‘I tried to challenge his assumptions of his wife’s affairs. I told him: “She’s a busy woman, with three kids”,’ she told the court. ‘Do you think she has time for an affair?’ 

The psychologist also told the court Basham said he could not make an appointment that had been arranged just two days after the death of Ms Fraser, who was also a psychologist. 

When she sent Basham a message to confirm their appointment, he responded with ‘sorry I wont be attending,’ the court heard.

The psychologist also told the court Basham said he could not make an appointment that had been arranged just two days after the death of Ms Fraser (pictured), who was also a psychologist

In earlier sessions between the two, Basham complained about the relationship between Ms Fraser and another psychologist who stroked her back and shared a 50-minute phone call with her, the court heard.

Police allege Basham had called off a motorcycle ride on the day of the murder with a friend on July 23 – the day of Ms Fraser’s death.

Ms Fraser’s body was found after authorities were alerted when she didn’t arrive to pick up her children from school on the afternoon of July 23.

A welfare check was conducted at her home on Seagrove Way, Cowes, where police found her dead.

Her death came as a shock to the local community, who were notified of the police investigation four days after her body was found.  

Samantha Fraser (pictured) was allegedly killed by her ex-husband at her Phillip Island home in late July last year

Local members of the neighbourhood vowed after Samantha Fraser’s death in July it wouldn’t be in vain, lining the streets in white ribbon in a united stance against violence against women