Benjamin Field, 28, said a fascination with literature and also his work in an elderly care home was behind his attraction to the subject.

He is on trial alongside Martyn Smith, 32, accused of murdering Peter Farquhar, 69, and conspiring to murder retired headmistress Ann Moore-Martin, 83, in order to benefit financially from their wills.

Field, the son of a Baptist minister, admits deceiving the pair, who were neighbours in the village of Maids Moreton, Buckinghamshire, into believing he was in a relationship with them both.

Field, was being cross-examined on the ninth day of giving evidence at Oxford Crown Court.

Oliver Saxby QC, prosecuting, asked Field why he owned copies of books and essays about death, including Five Last Acts, Easing The Passing and The Savage God, as well as a copy of the film Young Poisoner’s Handbook.

“I did think I was comfortable with death,” Field replied.

“I had been working at Red House care home for three months and seeing death and dying for the first time and a lot of it.

“It was something that had become part of my life. I thought I was getting there and looking back it was a scab constantly picked by me.”

Mr Saxby asked Field about internet searches he had carried out for “bleach suicide”, “most prolific executioner” and “cyanide poison”, and Field explained this was for “entertainment” rather than “pleasure”.

He also accessed posts…

Patients struggling with conditions that cannot be treated solely through medical treatment are being referring to local chaplains, in a bid to address issues of brokenness and self-worth that could be impacting people’s physical health.

Dr Ross Bryson, Head of the Karis Medical Centre is one GP who sees spiritual ministry as a vital part of patient care and has secured funding for a chaplain to serve the spiritual needs of patients at his West Birmingham surgery.

Speaking to The Times Dr Bryson said: “There are factors in our humanity which are not emotional: they are issues to do with meaning and belonging and connectedness, and hope, and being valued.”

He added: “We are all overwhelmed in general practice with distressed people.

“And when we know there is someone who can be trusted to help with this person and walk alongside them, then I think we all want that.”

The Royal College of General Practitioners has endorsed the concept, acknowledging the importance of spiritual care for patient recovery.

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