WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT: Louise Cameron, 41, killed her son Rhys in a supposed murder suicide attempt at their home in Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees, Teesside Crown Court heard
A mum who was found in bed with her dead eight-year-old son after killing him by spiking his blackcurrant juice with drugs has been given an indefinite hospital order.
Louise Cameron, 41, killed her son Rhys in a supposed murder suicide attempt at their home in Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees, in September last year, Teesside Crown Court heard.
She was initially charged with murder but was found to be unfit to enter a plea or stand trial earlier this month. But when the jury heard the details of the case against her, they agreed she had carried out the crimes she was accused of. Cameron was given the hospital order under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act. Mrs Justice Williams said “a hospital order was the most appropriate way of dealing” with the case, reports BBC.
The mum was assessed by two psychiatrists before trial and was found to have a psychotic illness, “most probably schizophrenia” but possibly schizoaffective disorder.
She remained acutely “psychotic” with “persecutory delusions” and auditory and visual hallucinations after months of treatment at a secure hospital, the court heard.
Over the weekend of September 13 and 14, Cameron left a note for her family stating she was “not dying without him”. Teesside Crown Court heard that Cameron’s sister grew worried when she couldn’t reach Cameron over the weekend, leading her to visit the house on Monday, September 15, prior to a planned visit from Cameron’s social worker.
Upon arrival, she discovered her sister in bed with Rhys, who was deceased. The court was told that Cameron seemed “out of it” and may have attempted to take a lethal overdose after killing him.
A family member informed the police that Cameron had been under stress during a pub meal on the Friday, when Rhys, who was autistic, “had a meltdown”.
The relative stated that Cameron had intended to discuss matters with her social worker during a visit that week, but alleged the professional had “left early” when Rhys began crying “because the television wasn’t working”.
The jury spent less than an hour deciding whether Cameron did carry out the act that caused Rhys’ death. Judge Heather Williams said that Cameron will next appear in court on Thursday, June 18.
Cleveland Police Superintendent Deb Fenny said: “This is a truly tragic case which has resulted in the devastating loss of a young child who was clearly loved by so many. Our thoughts remain firmly with Rhys’ family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
“We hope that today’s outcome begins to provide the family with some answers about what happened and offers a degree of support as they continue to come to terms with their loss. I would also like to recognise and commend the family for the immense strength and resilience they have shown throughout these proceedings, having had to listen to the deeply distressing circumstances surrounding Rhys’ death.”
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