TEMPLETON MAN SUFFERING FROM SCHIZOPHRENIA SLITS MOTHER'S THROAT AFTER SMOKING BAN
A man diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia was responsible for the death of his mother after she stopped him from smoking inside their home, a court heard on Monday.Jarvis Ford, aged 48, inflicted nine stab wounds on 84-year-old Margaret Mary Ford and then slit her throat before attempting to take his own life.
Ford admitted to manslaughter due to diminished responsibility, with two psychiatrists confirming his mental illness diagnosis.
His plea of not guilty to murder was accepted by prosecutors.
Mr.
Justice John Griffith Williams sentenced Ford to be detained under a section 37 mental health order and a section 41 restriction order, meaning he will remain in a secure mental health facility indefinitely or until a tribunal determines he is ready for release.
Ford will be held in a secure environment with no fixed release date.
Prosecutor Chris Clee QC told Swansea Crown Court that Ford had battled mental illness for years, which was manageable through medication, although lapses in treatment had led to hospitalizations.
Past episodes included calling his mother a devil and attempting suicide by stepping in front of a bus.
Residing with his mother on West Lane, near Narberth, they traveled to Cornwall in May to visit relatives.
Despite being aware of his condition, Ford’s mental health declined.
He became disoriented while returning and contacted police on May 16th, claiming he had committed a rape; no such crime was reported.
Police visited him and his mother, who assured officers she had not been assaulted.
Social services' crisis team was called to the house the next day after Ford's mother reported his aggressive behavior and her restriction on smoking.
Later that night, Ford told his sister Elizabeth that he was going to prison and that he had killed their mother because she refused him permission to smoke.
When police found Margaret Ford's body, she had been stabbed nine times and her throat cut.
Ford was located in a bedroom, having ingested a variety of tablets that were not lethal.
He told police that his frustration over her refusal to allow him to smoke led to the killing, and he expressed a desire to complete his 'journey through life' by killing his mother and himself.
His defense lawyer, Greg Taylor QC, explained Ford had an engineering degree and was generally normal until his mid-twenties.
Dr.
John Sandford, his psychiatrist, indicated that treatment would be a lengthy process for his mental health issues.
The judge stated that the case was 'a tragedy for all,' and that the manner of Margaret Ford's death would remain in her family's memory.
He also highlighted the need to protect the public and confirmed that Ford would stay under detention until deemed fit for release.
Additionally, the court noted Ford's substantial savings, exceeding £87,000, along with investments, and ordered him to pay his legal costs.
