RICHARD TREVELYAN KILLS FATHER IN PORTHCAWL: A TRAGIC CASE OF PARANOID SCHIZOPHRENIA AND VIOLENCE

In a devastating incident that has shocked the community near Porthcawl, Bridgend, Richard Trevelyan, a 23-year-old man suffering from undiagnosed paranoid schizophrenia, was responsible for the death of his father, Paul Trevelyan. The tragic event unfolded in October 2012 at the family residence located in Nottage Meadow, a quiet area close to Porthcawl.

According to court proceedings, Richard Trevelyan, a former soldier who had been discharged from the Royal Engineers due to health issues related to asthma, was experiencing severe mental health difficulties at the time of the attack. It was revealed that he had previously received mental health treatment and had been prescribed anti-psychotic medication. However, he had ceased taking the medication after experiencing drowsiness, which may have contributed to his deteriorating mental state.

The court heard that Trevelyan had a history of drug use, including methadone, and had previously suffered from drug-induced psychosis after taking mephedrone, commonly known as Meow Meow, a Class B drug. This history of substance abuse and mental health issues played a significant role in the tragic events that followed.

On the day of the attack, Trevelyan's parents were attempting to get him to hospital for treatment when he suddenly lunged at his father. In a violent assault, he stabbed Paul Trevelyan multiple times, with the blade piercing deeply into his chest. The court was told that his mother, Christine Trevelyan, made a harrowing 999 call during the incident, describing the attack and her fear for her safety. She then locked herself in the bathroom to protect herself from her son.

Police officers arrived at the scene to find a scene of chaos. They forcibly entered the family home and discovered Richard Trevelyan had inflicted multiple stab wounds on himself, with five separate stab injuries to his abdomen and chest. Despite his injuries, Trevelyan survived and was subsequently treated at the Caswell Clinic in Bridgend.

During the trial at Cardiff Crown Court, Trevelyan denied murder but admitted to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. The court was informed that he was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia at the time of the killing, which impaired his ability to fully understand his actions.

Judge Mr. Justice Royce, in delivering the verdict, imposed an indefinite hospital order under the Mental Health Act for psychiatric treatment. The judge expressed profound sympathy for the tragic circumstances, stating, "It is a terrible burden you will have to bear - knowing you have killed your own father. I am satisfied that at the time you were suffering from paranoid schizophrenia such as diminished your responsibility for what you did. This is an utterly tragic case which has had a devastating effect on everyone, including you. I express the hope that the treatment you receive will ultimately bring you back to proper mental health enabling you to be released back into the community."

This case highlights the devastating impact of untreated mental illness and substance abuse, and the tragic consequences that can ensue when mental health issues are not adequately addressed. The community in Porthcawl and the wider Bridgend area continues to mourn the loss of Paul Trevelyan and hopes for effective treatment and recovery for Richard Trevelyan in the future.