Blyth man detained after killing mother during schizophrenic episode

BLYTH MAN DETAINED AFTER KILLING MOTHER DURING SCHIZOPHRENIC EPISODE

A man who attacked his mother while experiencing a schizophrenic episode has been detained under the Mental Health Act.

June Sanderson, 73, succumbed to a brain bleed on 2 August, five days after being assaulted by Steven Sanderson.

The 36-year-old resident of Wellington Street, Blyth, was initially charged with wounding with intent to cause GBH, then murder.

However, it was determined that he was unfit to stand trial and a hearing in Newcastle Crown Court concluded that his actions led to his mother's death.

He has now been placed under a hospital order.

Her family issued a statement saying: "The effects of this have impacted on family relationships.

We have struggled for some time to deal with Steven's mental health and tried to support him, and it is now that we have seen the tragic consequences of that poor mental health.

We are devastated by the loss of our mam, but we do hope that Steven receives the help that he needs and one day comes to terms with his actions." During the hearing, court proceedings revealed that Ms.

Sanderson from Cowpen, Blyth, visited her son's address when she was grabbed and attacked.

She managed to escape and was aided by passers-by who noticed her injuries and called an ambulance.

Following the hearing, Det Insp Graeme Dodds of Northumbria Police said: "Cases like this are always very difficult for all those involved and I would like to praise the dignity of the Sanderson family throughout these proceedings."