SEBASTIAN COMPTON'S TRAGIC KILLING OF MOTHER IN GREAT BADDOW: PSYCHOSIS AND HOSPITAL ORDER
| Red Rose Database
Great Baddow Domestic Homicide
Sebastian Compton, a 47-year-old resident of Great Baddow, has been formally sentenced to a hospital order following a tragic incident that resulted in the death of his mother, Michele Romano, aged 68. The devastating event took place at her residence in Readers Court, Great Baddow, near Chelmsford, on the 9th of February. The court proceedings revealed that Compton had admitted to stabbing his mother multiple times, leading to her fatal injuries.
During the hearing, Judge Mary Loram highlighted that Compton was experiencing 'acute psychosis at the time of the killing.' The court was informed that Compton had a long-standing diagnosis of schizophrenia, which he had been managing with prescribed medication. Specifically, he was taking the antipsychotic drug clozapine, which he chose to stop taking in late 2023 because he believed he was feeling 'well.' This decision to cease medication was a significant factor in his mental health deterioration leading up to the incident.
The tragic event unfolded after Mrs. Romano, who was a frequent visitor to her son’s flat, had a confrontation with him. During this altercation, Compton reportedly picked up a kitchen knife and attacked her, stabbing her approximately 20 times. The injuries inflicted were severe and covered her face, arm, and torso, ultimately leading to her death. Neighbors, noticing something was amiss, observed Compton’s appearance and mistook the blood on him for gloves, which prompted them to call emergency services.
When police arrived at the scene, Compton did not resist arrest. Instead, he confessed to the officers, stating, 'No, I've just killed my mum.' He also expressed a desire to be taken to a mental health facility, indicating awareness of his mental state. During questioning, he claimed to have no clear memory of why he committed the act, attributing his actions to his psychosis. He reportedly said, 'It was not me, it was psychosis, it was an act of God,' suggesting that his mental health condition played a central role in the tragedy.
The court acknowledged Compton’s mental health history and recognized that his decline was linked to his failure to adhere to his prescribed medication regimen. Despite his previously good character, the gravity of the offense, which resulted in the loss of life, was a critical factor in the sentencing decision. The judge emphasized the importance of considering his mental health condition when determining the appropriate legal response, ultimately ordering a hospital order to ensure he receives the necessary psychiatric treatment.
During the hearing, Judge Mary Loram highlighted that Compton was experiencing 'acute psychosis at the time of the killing.' The court was informed that Compton had a long-standing diagnosis of schizophrenia, which he had been managing with prescribed medication. Specifically, he was taking the antipsychotic drug clozapine, which he chose to stop taking in late 2023 because he believed he was feeling 'well.' This decision to cease medication was a significant factor in his mental health deterioration leading up to the incident.
The tragic event unfolded after Mrs. Romano, who was a frequent visitor to her son’s flat, had a confrontation with him. During this altercation, Compton reportedly picked up a kitchen knife and attacked her, stabbing her approximately 20 times. The injuries inflicted were severe and covered her face, arm, and torso, ultimately leading to her death. Neighbors, noticing something was amiss, observed Compton’s appearance and mistook the blood on him for gloves, which prompted them to call emergency services.
When police arrived at the scene, Compton did not resist arrest. Instead, he confessed to the officers, stating, 'No, I've just killed my mum.' He also expressed a desire to be taken to a mental health facility, indicating awareness of his mental state. During questioning, he claimed to have no clear memory of why he committed the act, attributing his actions to his psychosis. He reportedly said, 'It was not me, it was psychosis, it was an act of God,' suggesting that his mental health condition played a central role in the tragedy.
The court acknowledged Compton’s mental health history and recognized that his decline was linked to his failure to adhere to his prescribed medication regimen. Despite his previously good character, the gravity of the offense, which resulted in the loss of life, was a critical factor in the sentencing decision. The judge emphasized the importance of considering his mental health condition when determining the appropriate legal response, ultimately ordering a hospital order to ensure he receives the necessary psychiatric treatment.