SIMON THOMPSON'S TRAGIC CRIME IN BUSHEY: FATHER STRANGLES DAUGHTER AND ATTEMPTS SUICIDE NEAR WATFORD

In January 2014, a devastating case unfolded in the town of Bushey, near Watford in Hertfordshire, involving a father named Simon Thompson who committed an unthinkable act of violence against his own daughter. The tragic events began after Simon Thompson, a man with a documented history of psychiatric issues, returned from a family outing to London Zoo with his 11-year-old daughter, Rebecca Thompson. The day took a dark turn when, in a moment of unimaginable cruelty, Thompson strangled Rebecca to death within their home in Bushey.

Rebecca, who was on the cusp of starting secondary school, was found lifeless by her mother, Mary Thompson, the following day. The grief-stricken mother recounted the profound loss and described her daughter as a loving and caring child who adored animals, fashion, and music. She expressed her heartbreak, stating, "Rebecca and I were so very close and enjoyed a wonderful relationship. Her father killed her in such cruel circumstances leaving me to find her dead — this has left me totally destroyed and devastated."

Mary Thompson detailed the pain of losing her daughter and the shattered future they had envisioned together. She lamented the fact that she and Rebecca had planned to start a new chapter in their lives, but those hopes were cruelly taken away. She also expressed her contempt for her ex-husband, describing him as a controlling and manipulative bully who could not bear the thought of their happiness and progress.

Following the murder, Simon Thompson attempted to take his own life. He drove his vehicle at high speed into a roundabout in a desperate act of self-harm. The crash resulted in serious injuries, and he was subsequently arrested by police once he was deemed medically stable. Authorities confirmed that Thompson had a history of psychiatric issues, which played a role in the tragic events.

Detective Inspector John Arthur of Hertfordshire Constabulary, who led the investigation, stated, "Simon Thompson has been professionally identified as a man who had psychiatric issues at the time. However, his actions last summer were callous when he killed his daughter, his only child, leaving her mother distraught." He further emphasized the brutality of the crime, noting that Rebecca's life was tragically cut short just as she was about to begin a new chapter in her life.

Thompson admitted to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. The case has left a community and a family shattered, with Rebecca's mother expressing her profound grief and the sense of loss that will linger for a lifetime. The investigation and subsequent sentencing serve as a stark reminder of the devastating impact mental health issues can have when combined with violent actions, especially within the confines of a family unit.