SCHIZOPHRENIC MAN SENTENCED FOR HEINOUS MURDER OF WOMAN
A man suffering from paranoid schizophrenia has been convicted of manslaughter and has been ordered to remain in a mental health facility indefinitely following the brutal murder of 65-year-old June Fox-Roberts at her home in Rhondda Cynon Taf.Luke Deeley, aged 26, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, entered Mrs.
Fox-Roberts' residence in Llantwit Fardre on 21 November 2021 by an unlocked door and carried out a violent attack.
The court described the assault as involving blunt force injuries to her head, a blow to her forehead that rendered her unconscious, and evidence that she was stomped on.
After the assault, Deeley dragged her into the dining room, laid her on a tarpaulin, and used an axe to decapitate and dismember her body, though a chainsaw at the scene was not used in the murder.
The victim's body was discovered by her daughter and a family friend, who had been unable to contact her.
Following the incident, Deeley attempted to clean the hallway, shaved, and tried to change his hair.
Evidence showed he had periodically discontinued his prescribed medication and that he had prior psychiatric hospitalization.
Police used CCTV footage to follow his movements and arrested him two days afterwards.
The judge stated that Deeley's actions were influenced by his belief that a 'higher power' directed him to kill, and that his mental illness played a role in his conduct.
He was detained under the Mental Health Act, with a restriction order in place.
June Fox-Roberts’ family expressed their sorrow, describing her as a generous woman who loved her family, and emphasized the tragedy and senselessness of her murder.
