MOTHER WHO POISONED EIGHT-YEAR-OLD SON IN MURDER-SUICIDE ATTEMPT GIVEN INDEFINITE HOSPITAL ORDER
A mother who poisoned her young son before attempting to take her own life has been ordered to remain in a secure psychiatric hospital indefinitely.Teesside Crown Court heard how Louise Cameron, 41, killed her eight-year-old son, Rhys, at their home in Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees, in a tragic murder-suicide attempt that shocked the community.
Cameron had been charged with murder but was ruled unfit to plead or stand trial due to severe mental illness.
Earlier this month, a jury heard the harrowing details of the case and concluded that she had carried out the acts alleged against her.
The court heard that Rhys was found dead in his mother’s bed on September 15 last year after concerned relatives raised the alarm.
The young boy had not been seen in public for two days.
Investigators discovered Cameron had overdosed on medication and had given Rhys blackcurrant juice laced with prescription drugs and powerful painkillers.
In a chilling note left behind for relatives, Cameron admitted poisoning her son and wrote that she was “not dying” without him.
Jurors were also told she later made a number of disturbing comments to police officers, including that she wanted to die alongside her son and had considered other ways of killing him, including stabbing or drowning.
Mrs Justice Williams imposed an indefinite hospital order under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act, stating she was satisfied it was “the most appropriate way of dealing with this case”.
The court heard Cameron suffers from a severe psychotic illness, believed to be schizophrenia or possibly schizoaffective disorder.
Despite months of treatment in a secure psychiatric unit, she remained acutely unwell, experiencing persecutory delusions as well as auditory and visual hallucinations.
Consultant forensic psychologist Dr Caroline Bradley told the court that Cameron had assaulted both staff and fellow patients since being admitted to hospital.
As proceedings concluded, the judge praised jurors for their dedication in what she described as a deeply distressing case.
Paying tribute to Rhys and his devastated loved ones, Mrs Justice Williams said: “I know you will never forget Rhys and he will always be with you.” The heartbreaking case has left a family mourning the loss of a little boy whose life was cut tragically short.
———————————————————————————— Louise Cameron is accused of poisoning her son, Rhys, with methadone and morphine over a weekend in September.
At Teesside Crown Court, it was revealed that the 41-year-old woman confessed in a heartbreaking manner as police investigated the circumstances surrounding her disabled son's death.
The jury was informed that Cameron’s sister, Donna Oliphant, and their mother, Carole, discovered Rhys in bed when they arrived at the family home on Marsh House Avenue in Billingham.
They heard the distressing 999 call made by Donna shortly after the grim discovery, during which she begged for assistance.
In the recorded call played in court, Donna told the emergency operator that Rhys was no longer alive while emergency responders tried to guide her through performing CPR.
Ms.
Oliphant explained to the operator that her sister was lying on the bed, with Rhys nearby, and said, "she might have done it but I just don’t know." She repeatedly asked for help before exclaiming, “he’s dead, how can you get help for somebody who is dead?
His body is stone cold.
He’s been there hours.” Jurors also viewed CCTV footage showing Cameron and her three children visiting a pub for a meal in the days prior to Rhys's death.
Earlier in the trial, Mrs.
Justice Heather William DBE advised the jurors that they were not being asked to determine whether the defendant was guilty or innocent of murder but to base their decision on the evidence presented.
Opening the case, prosecutor David Lamb KC stated: “To Donna, it appeared Rhys was asleep, but she knew he was dead.
There was white foam around his mouth.” Cameron made several statements to police, which were recorded on body-worn cameras, revealing her distress.
She was heard saying she was “getting done for murder” and questioned, “I’ve just murdered Rhys, haven’t I?” The trial remains ongoing.
———————————————————————————— The young boy allegedly killed in a Billingham home has been identified as Rhys Anthony Cameron.
Following his death, police launched an investigation, leading to the arrest of Louise Cameron, aged 40, of Marsh House Avenue, Billingham.
She has been charged with the murder of Rhys, who was aged eight, with incidents occurring between Saturday, September 13, and Monday, September 15.
Authorities responded after the North East Ambulance Service reported the death, initially unexplained.
Forensic investigators visited the scene, and police responded shortly after 10 am on September 15.
Residents expressed shock and condolences.
Cameron appeared at Teesside Crown Court via video link from prison on Thursday, November 6, where she was remanded in custody.
She faces a charge of murdering Rhys during the specified dates.
The court heard Cameron is not presently fit to plead.
Judge Francis Laird scheduled a trial for February 23, 2026, and a hearing is set for December 1 to review her fitness to stand trial.
Cameron was dressed in grey, with her dark hair in a ponytail.
An inquest into Rhys’ death, opened in September, has been adjourned until criminal proceedings conclude.
Last month, Cleveland Police shared a heartfelt tribute to Rhys, describing him as a joyful boy with a loving personality and a smile remembered by many.
Local community members paid tribute, with headteacher Lauren Banks describing Rhys as a delightful, cheerful pupil whose smile brightened the school.
Neighbours held a vigil outside his home, expressing their grief and support.
The provisional trial date of February 23 remains in place.
—————————————————————————————————— UPDATE 01-12-2025 A further psychiatric report is required for a woman charged with murder after the death of an eight-year-old child.
Louise Cameron was arrested after Rhys Anthony Cameron died at a property on Marsh House Avenue in Billingham between Saturday, September 13 and Monday, September 15.
The ambulance service alerted police after attending the property and finding the youngster dead.
Teesside Crown Court heard that psychiatric reports were being obtained to rule whether the 40-year-old can be deemed fit to enter a plea by medical experts.
Judge Francis Laird KC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, adjourned the case for a further case management hearing to take place in the new year.
In September, the "devastated" family of Rhys have paid tribute honouring him as a "cheery, funny and beautiful" little boy.
They said: “Rhys was a lovely little son, brother, nephew, grandson and friend to many who loved and knew him in the community.
His love for listening to music, playing with his friends and toothbrushes brought joy to us all.
“To say we as a family are devastated is an understatement, Rhys will be missed more than we can ever put into words.
We take comfort from the words of support we have received, and the love shown to Rhys as we continue to take time to come to terms with our tragic loss.” A provisional trial date has been set for February 23 but is more likely to take place from May 13 in front of a High Court judge.
