North East England

98 known cases 1993 – 2022

58 inquiry reports

In addition to the individual homicide inquiry reports available here, in May 2008 NHS North East published a review of all local mental health homicides between January 2002 and May 2008.

They found 36 mental health homicides occurred in the area during that time

By contrast only 13 cases have been found in press reports for the same period (involving 17 victims).

The review is available on the health authority’s website at: http://www.northeast.nhs.uk/_assets/media/pdf/NE08_184(1).pdf

DateVictimLocationEventCommentdownload
23 Dec 2022Lee SantosNorth ShieldsMentally disordered man repeatedly and fatally stabbed a strangerNot guilty by reason of insanity – Epilepsy psychosis case
14 Nov 2022Beimnet GebreabNewcastleMentally ill man repeatedly and fatally stabbed housemateDiminished responsibility – Hospital order
13 Apr 2022Michael MatthewsHadrian Clinic, NewcastleParanoid schizophrenic fatally batters and stamps on vulnerable fellow patientOff meds – Diminished responsibility – Section 37/41 hospital orderSentencing Remarks
15 Mar 2022Anthony Dunn (81)PontelandMentally disordered woman fatally smothers husbandDiminished responsibility
19 Mar 2020Christopher RitchieDurhamParanoid schizophrenic fatally stabbed acquaintanceDiminished responsibility – indefinite hospital order
31 Dec 2019Stacey CooperRedcarMentally ill man fatally stabbed partnerLater took his own life in prison on remand
30 Jul 2019June SandersonBlythParanoid schizophrenic fatally batters and strangles motherRecent inpatient – trial of facts 
06 Apr 2019Odessa Carey (73)WashingtonPsychotic woman fatally stabs her mother and mutilates the bodyLong MH history – stopped taking meds – Trial of factsInquiry/DHR

Coroner’s PFD
31 Mar 2019Paul TaylorJarrowMentally disordered woman fatally stabs partnerConvicted of manslaughter – 14 yearsInquiry
20 Mar 2019Alison McKenzieMiddlesbroughParanoid schizophrenic fatally stabs motherOff meds – long history of serious mental illnessInquiry
05 Sept 2018Joan HoggettSunderlandParanoid schizophrenic fatally stabs a grandmotherPrevious inpatient – previously warned about killing someoneInquiry

Inquiry Follow Up

Inquest PFD
31 Aug 2018Richard Burgess (79)SunderlandMentally ill man in hospital fatally punches fellow patient with dementiaCoroner’s PFD report highlighted poor care & risk managementCoroner’s PFD
03 Aug 2018Kelly FranklinHartlepoolMentally disordered man repeatedly and fatally stabs ex-partnerConsidered so risky female staff told not to see him alone – convicted of murderInquiry

DHR Full

DHR Exec Summ
05 Mar 2018Jason DeanEston, MiddlesbroughMentally ill man fatally batters friend in sustained attackConvicted manslaughter – sentenced 14 yearsInquiry
24 Dec 2015Warren DukeSlough (but Tees patient)Mentally ill man off meds fatally stabs manConvicted of Manslaughter by diminished reponsibility Inquiry
15 Nov 2015Susan MitchelsonBlythMentally ill teenager thinking he’s a demon fatally stabs dinner ladyFamily raised concerns before incidentDHR Exec Summ

Trust Board
23 Sept 2015Sarrah GarbaGatesheadPsychotic man fatally strangled his girlfriend believing she was ‘the devil’  
02 Apr 2015Zaneta BalazovaNewcastleParanoid schizophrenic repeatedly and fatally stabbed wife in front of childrenFamily raised concerns about deterioration 
19-25 May 2015Maureen RudlandDurhamAlzheimers patient with history of aggression pushes fellow resident who subsequently died Inquiry
15 Mar 2015Melissa LiddleSouth ShieldsMentally ill man repeatedly and fatally stabs partner  
26 Jun – 5 Jul 2014Jenny Bryant (89)ConsettMan with dementia fatally assaults fellow care home residentCare home had difficulties raising concernsINQUIRY
25 Jun 2014Sheila CroutNewcastle upon TyneDepressed man fatally smothers wife  
11 Feb 2014Ray Patterson

Clara Patterson (82)
Benton, N TynesideSchizophrenic man repeatedly and fatally stabs disabled father and grandmother  
25 Jan 2014Hamed VaziriMiddlesboroughParanoid schizophrenic fatally stabs housemate in neck and kicks him as he lays dying  
15 Sept 2013John HallWest RaintonMH patient fatally batters acquaintance with baseball bat INQUIRY 
13 Sep 2013Gemma FinneganBolden CollieryPsychotic man strangled and repeatedly stabbed girlfriendHad killed beforeFull DHR
DHR Summary
01 Sep 2013James InesonNorth ShieldsSchizophrenic fatally battered friend about the head  
05 May 2013Sybil Sibthorpe (80)DarlingtonMentally disordered man fatally batters pensioner in sustained assault  
01 May 2013May StokoeSunderlandMentally ill man fatally stabs wife then himselfHad warned of harming her before, stopped medsINQUIRY

DHR 

Coroner’s PFD
22 Feb 2013Gareth MatthewsWhitbyMentally disordered woman fatally stabs partner DHR &
Inq Report
25 Apr 2012Julie DavisonWhitbyMentally ill man fatally stabs strangerInd Inq found failings in care INQUIRY
23 Apr 2012Colin Dunford (81)MiddlesboroughMentally ill man fatally attacks pensionerInd Inq found failings in care INQUIRY
01 Oct 2011Michell HarrisonHMP FranklandMental Health patient (PD) fatally stabs fellow prisonerHistory of violence, warned MH nurse he wanted to kill. 
02 May 2011Jessica Braithwaite (7)RedcarMentally ill man sets house on fire killing daughter (intended to kill entire family)MH history 
01 Mar 2011Jordan CooperWashingtonMentally disordered man fatally stabs nephew Inquiry
09 Aug 2010Christy Ruddell
(2)
PeterleeMentally ill mother fatally strangled sonFamily had struggled to get help 
01 Jan 2010Bevin Shapung
(11 mnths)
North ShieldsMentally ill woman kills baby and unsuccessfully attempts suicidePrevious MH historySCR
11 Jun 2009Ralph Stephenson (86)DurhamMentally ill man fatally strangles fatherHistory of depression & alcohol abuse 
06 Apr 2009Karen LeonardMiddlesbroughPsychiatric patient fatally battered strangled and stabbed partnerPrev. told nurses of fears of violent relapseInquiry 
03 Jan 2009Tony PetersenNewcastleMH patient fatally batters disabled man with claw hammerCritical Inquiry report (Graham 2013)Inquiry
04 Dec 2008Williamina Valentine (84)NewcastlePsychotic mentally ill man fatally suffocates mother after missing medication. Inq not published – contact us for more info
25 Jun 2008Michelle TaylorWalker, NewcastleMentally ill man fatally stabs ex-wife.  
24 Jun 2008Bertha Martin (85)CleadonMentally ill woman fatally batters motherPreviously sectioned & violent, released without aftercare. Ind Inq 2014 NHS NorthInquiry
21 Oct 2006John MorrisonDarlingtonMentally ill man fatally strangles drinking companionPsych evidence of mental disorder at time 
09 Jul 2006Peter Purcell

Joyce Purcell

Keith Purcell

Glen Purcell
Benwell, NewcastlePsychopathic former soldier executed family membersPTSD? InqInquiry
19 May 2006Ashleigh EwingHeaton, NewcastleParanoid schizophrenic fatally stabbed mental health worker 39 times with four knives.Prev. attacked parents with hammer (GBH). Prev. arrested at Buck Pal threatening Queen. Refused medication, realised was danger to others.Inquiry
12 May 2006Carie BurnsConsettMentally disordered & paranoid man fatally stabs young woman with samurai sword and drives over herReported history of previous violence 
09 May 2006Colin AndersonNewcastleRecently released mentally ill man (with depressive LD accomplice) batters man and throws him off tower block.Recently released after psychotic episode. Ind Inq due.Inquiry
08 Jan 2006Maurice HiltonPeterleeMentally ill woman fatally stabs partner.Long MH history, previous violence, tragic history, critical inquiryInquiry
28 Aug 2005Alexander Gallon
(4 months)
NewcastleDeluded and depressed mother kills baby by arson.Mental Health history. Serious Case ReviewSCR
07 Jan 2005Robert CarterNew Marske, RedcarPsychiatric patient batters disabled landlord to deathHad begged to be admitted to psych hospital days before. PD 
02 Dec 2004Maria JonesIngleby BarwickDepressed man fatally stabs his wife 96 timesDiminished responsibility
27 Nov 2004Alison McNallyGatesheadMentally ill man fatally smothers wifeDepressive illness. Indefinite hospital order 
18 Jun 2004Lynda LovattSouth ShieldsMH patient fatally stabbed partner 40 times.Parents had taken him to be sectioned hours earlier but released.Inquiry
06 Feb 2004Olive GarvieJesmondPensioner MH Homicide.Review, previous violence. Poor teamwork. 
17 Jan 2004Colin JohnsonSunderlandParanoid schizophrenic kills former school friend with an axe.long history of increasing MH problems. Family asked MH for help 83 times before incident.Inquiry
30/31 Oct 2003Ian Lawson

Simon Richardson
SunderlandParanoid schizophrenic fatally and repeatedly stabbed Lawson, then fatally attacked Richardson with a Razor.Ind Inq 2007Inquiry
28 Aug 2003Lee JohnsonNewcastleParanoid schizophrenic repeatedly stabs neighbour.Ind Inq 2008Inquiry
06 Aug 2003Sarah Jane CoghlanMiddlesbroughMH patient fatally stabs woman with bayonet (6mnths after release for previous murder).Ind Inq 2006Inquiry

Appeal Court
13 Feb 2003Paul BestEasingtonMentally disordered man fatally stabs youth on 18th birthdayLearning disabilities with history of violence 
07 Feb 2003Nusrat AlrahiNewcastleMentally ill man strangles wifeReceiving MH treatment – 3 yrs community order
22 Sep 2002Elizabeth GallagherNorth TynesideMH patient stabbed wife.Ind Inq 2005. Had previously threatened to kill wife.Inquiry
17 Aug 2002Jean Charlton (71)WashingtonParanoid Schizophrenic man fatally stabs mother 15 times and attempts to decapitate her.  
14 Dec 2001Elizabeth Elliot (79)GatesheadSeverely depressed pensioner fatally stabbed wifeDiminished responsibility – suspended sentence 
04 Nov 2001William Pyle (77)Bishop AucklandPsychotic woman repeatedly batters and stabs father and sets house alight.  
22 Sep 2001Lenny LeakGatesheadFatally poured petrol over flatmate and lit it during argument.Ind Inq 2004 – history of previous violence.Inquiry
04 Mar 2001David HuitsonNewcastleSchizophrenic stabbed victim who had given evidence against him in another stabbing case.Ind Inq 2004 – history of previous violence.Inquiry

Appeal Court
18 Jan 2001John JeffriesHartlepoolMH patient fatally and repeatedly battered victim with rock.Ind Inq 2003 – Previous threats of violence with knives. Inquiry
27 Jun 2000Abdul GhafoorMiddlesbroughMH patient attacks victim with hammer (+PD)Ind Inq 2002 
12 Apr 2000Corey Raine (6 mths)HoughtonMum with post natal depression fatally batters six month old babyPleaded guilty to infanticide – 4 year hospital order 
20 Mar 2000Caroline Wills

Ashley Wills (5)
Cramlington, North-umberlandParanoid Schizophrenic kills sister and her son in frenzied attack.Ind Inq 2002 Inquiry
04 Oct 1999Janet FrostMeadowfielsd – County Hospital DurhamMH homicideInd Inq 2003 Inquiry
16 Apr -16 May 1999Julie PatersonDarlingtonMentally disordered man kills and dismembers womanDiminished responsibility 
29 Mar 1999Nora Denham (91)ButterknowleMentally ill woman fatally strangles elderly motherSentenced to three year probation order 
19 Mar 1998James ByrneSunderlandMH HomicideInd Inq 1999 Inquiry
16 Dec 1997David TurnbullCo DurhamMH homicideInd Inq 2000 Inquiry
22 Jun 1997Peter McNameeStocktonMH homicide of girlfriend’s ex.Ind Inq 1999Inquiry available on request
05 May 1997Eric KirbyBishop AucklandMH homicide of partner.Ind Inq 2000 Inquiry
31 Oct 1996Natalie Wood (6)Fenham, NewcastleMentally ill woman kills her 6 year old daughterDiminished responsibility 
28 Jul 1996Mark WorrallConsettDepressed woman fatally stabbed husbandDiminished responsibility – probation for three years 
06 Jul 1995Jamie Hemy (7 mnths)Wallsend, Tyne &WearSchizophrenic woman repeatedly stabs baby 70 times.
01 Jul 1995Eileen McLachlanWallsend, Tyne &WearSchizophrenic kills mother.Ind Inq 1997 Inquiry
19 Jun 1995Douglas HeathwaiteNewton AycliffeMH homicide of stranger.Ind Inq 1998Inquiry
29 May 1995Halina SzymczukAshington, North-umberlandMentally ill man fatally stabbed neighbour (murdering Mother-in law 1976).Ind Inq 1996 Inquiry
16 Feb 1995William Taylor (74)ClevelandPsychotic MH patient fatally stabs father.Ind Inq 1996 Inquiry
23 Jul 1994Robert Keating-PayneNewcastleMentally disordered man fatally battered and stabbed man with razors, craft knives & a screwdriver  
30 Jun 1994Rosie Palmer (3)HartlepoolMH patient abused, killed and kept 3 year old victims body in plastic bag at home.Ind Inq 1996 Inquiry
28 Mar 1994Nickki Conroy (12)MiddlesbroughPsychotic man breaks into school and repeatedly and fatally stabs girl.  
18 Aug 1993Thomas PalmerSouth StanleyMentally disordered man fatally batters acquaintance with cricket bat, takes him home in pushchair, then sets body on fireDiminished responsibility – jailed for life
04 July 1993Emily LucasSeahamPsychotic man fatally stabs woman mistakenly thinking it was his girlfriendDiminished responsibility
29 May 1993Emma Hutchinson (5)SunderlandDepressed mother killed young daughter after setting fire to their home  
16 Mar 1993Jane EastoeWallsend, NewcastleParanoid schizophrenic fatally stabbed his motherInsanity case 

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