TRANSGENDER WOMAN GIVEN INDEFINITE HOSPITAL ORDER AFTER KILLING PARTNER WITH SAMURAI SWORD
A jury has found that a transgender woman killed her partner.Joanna Rowland-Stuart, 71, was accused of murdering Andrew Rowland-Stuart, 70, at their residence in Brighton in May 2024.
After a psychiatric assessment, Ms Rowland-Stuart was deemed unfit to plead.
Following a trial of facts at Lewes Crown Court, a jury concurred that Ms Rowland-Stuart committed the act and she was subsequently given an indefinite Hospital Order Under Section 41 of the Mental Health Act 1983.
Ms Rowland-Stuart identifies as a transgender woman, and she and Mr Rowland-Stuart, known as Andy, had been in a civil partnership since 2006.
The post mortem revealed that Andy died from stab wounds, and the court heard that she had killed him with a samurai sword.
She had told police she acted in self-defense during the incident at their flat in Lavender Street on 27 May 2024.
Recovered internet searches from Ms Rowland-Stuart’s phone in the weeks before the death showed 14 different results for swords, including replicas, curved swords, and Japanese swords, indicating a possible premeditation or an interest in swords prior to the incident.
Ms Rowland-Stuart was ruled unfit to plead by Judge Christine Laing KC on a Monday, and therefore did not participate in the trial.
A statement from Mr Rowland-Stuart’s family expressed gratitude to everyone involved, especially the police officers providing care and communication during the investigation.
Detective Chief Inspector Alex Campbell of Sussex Police mentioned, 'Our thoughts remain with the family of Andrew, and we want to thank everyone who assisted in this complex investigation.' The article highlights the tragic case and the subsequent legal and mental health proceedings, demonstrating the seriousness of the offense and its impact on the family and community.
