SISTER’S KILLER WENT BACK TO HER HOME FOR A WEEK TO FEED ANIMALS
A man named James Cairns, aged 39, who strangled his sister, returned to her residence in Leeds for a week following her death to care for her pets while she lay deceased in the lounge.Leeds Crown Court was informed that Cairns was considered by friends to be a courteous and reserved individual who had displayed no previous signs of violence.
However, it was revealed during the hearing that Cairns was suffering from schizophrenia at the time he committed the act of strangulation against his sister, Patricia Cairns, aged 43, at her home located on Osmondthorpe Lane in Osmondthorpe in January.
Recently, Cairns pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
The judge presiding over the case, Judge Peter Collier QC, the Recorder of Leeds, ordered that he be detained under an indefinite hospital order in accordance with the Mental Health Act.
Prosecutor Simon Waley stated that Cairns, who resides on Buller Grove in Harehills, Leeds, contacted emergency services just before midnight on February 6 and admitted to police that he had strangled his sister on Saturday, January 28.
When police entered Patricia Cairns’ home, they discovered her body covered with coats in the lounge.
Subsequently, officers visited Cairns at his residence where he confessed, saying: “We were smoking weed and she’s dead.
What can I say.
Throw the book at me.” Mr.
Waley explained that Cairns believed it was crucial for him to commit the act of killing, fearing that something even worse might happen otherwise.
It was also disclosed that Patricia, who was also dealing with mental health issues, had fallen asleep on a sofa.
Cairns reportedly threw another sofa and a television at her before strangling her.
He further stated that he returned to her house the week after the incident to feed her animals.
The judge commented that the case was perplexing and highlighted the fragile nature of human existence.
