WARNING: This story contains details that will be distressing to some readers.

The Supreme Court pre-sentence hearing for Adrian Basham has been delayed to October 31, after he failed to follow the advice of his lawyers.

In April, the jury in the Supreme Court trial found Mr Basham guilty of killing the mother of their three children, Samantha Fraser, 38, at her Cowes garage on July 23, 2018.

Today (Monday) Justice Lesley Taylor heard victim impact statements from family and friends of Ms Fraser, in the King v Adrian James Basham plea hearing to determine the length of his jail sentence.

While Mr Basham sat motionless as one of his children and the family of his former wife told of their “unrelenting grief”, the hearing was later paused while he spoke with his defence counsel Ashley Halphen, who said his client was “highly distressed”.

“He is not able to follow the advice given. He’s not following the proceedings adequately,” Mr Halphen said. “I don’t feel we enjoy his confidence at the moment. I don’t feel comfortable to continue the plea today.”

He said medical assistance had not been called but Mr Basham would seek help once back in custody.

Mr Halphen suggested listening to victim impact statements had “triggered” Mr Basham’s response.

Justice Taylor said the proceedings “must be heard however difficult Mr Basham finds them”.

“We are here because he has been found guilty and there’s a live question I must determine – he has no input into that whatsoever. It’s a question of law based on evidence on trial and submissions,” Justice Taylor said.

“It’s most unfortunate we are in this position. It’s evident - if not evident from logic from the victim impact statements - this event has caused enormous distress to an enormous number of people. The proceedings must come to a conclusion and that is when I sentence Mr Basham. But our system demands a person found guilty nonetheless has a right to follow proceedings.”

The hearing will next be heard on October 31.

The eldest daughter of Samantha Fraser told the Supreme Court how she was “nauseated” at the actions of her father, who had “ripped away” her whole life.

A victim impact statement from Ms Fraser’s mother said at night she “curls up in bed and howls … the grief is unrelenting”.

“One man has brought so much pain and damage and has shown no remorse. But we won’t let that spill into our lives.”

One friend told the court it helped her now knowing Mr Basham had no control anymore, with the trial hearing of his controlling behaviour to his estranged wife.

The hearing was livestreamed to media and unlike the trial Mr Basham could this week be seen on the screen.

More details: this week’s paper.

If you or anyone you know needs support, contact the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).