LONDON MAN WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA MURDERS GIRLFRIEND AND IS DETAINED INDEFINITELY
In a tragic case in south London, Richard Henry, suffering from paranoid schizophrenia, stabbed his girlfriend, Carmel Charles, 20, 17 times.The attack happened in Catford on 19 November 2011 after Henry experienced a psychotic episode, believing his partner was the devil and hearing voices.
During proceedings at the Old Bailey, it was revealed that he had stopped taking prescribed medication and was a user of skunk cannabis.
The prosecutor, Michelle Nelson, stated that there was no dispute before the killing—it was a moment when they were merely laughing and joking.
Witness testimonies, including that of Henry’s uncle, described Carmel praying and making noises, while Henry was found with a large knife over her, who was clutching her chest.
Henry pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
Tests indicated he had been consuming skunk cannabis for a period, though not immediately prior to the offence.
Judge Richard Hone ordered that Henry be detained indefinitely under the Mental Health Act, warning that the combination of psychiatric vulnerability and skunk cannabis use can lead to sudden, violent psychotic episodes.
