Man sentenced for killing his elderly mother

A man has been handed a hospital order after killing his 75-year-old mother, a court official said.
Maureen Watkins, who was killed at her home in Peckham, south east London.Maureen Watkins, who was killed at her home in Peckham, south east London.
Maureen Watkins, who was killed at her home in Peckham, south east London.

Edward Watkins, 55, admitted the manslaughter of Maureen Watkins at her home in Peckham, south-east London, on the grounds of diminished responsibility at the Old Bailey on Thursday, a member of court admin staff confirmed.

Watkins, who was first diagnosed with paranoid psychosis in 1993 and then diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in August 2018, killed his mother on Friday November 16, according to the prosecution's note for sentence.

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The note said the body of Mrs Watkins was found face down in the hallway of her flat and a kitchen knife with a 17cm blade was discovered beside the body.

Maureen Watkins, who was killed at her home in Peckham, south east London.Maureen Watkins, who was killed at her home in Peckham, south east London.
Maureen Watkins, who was killed at her home in Peckham, south east London.

Sentencing on Thursday at the Old Bailey, Judge Anthony Leonard QC handed Watkins a hospital order under the Mental Health Act, the court said.

A family statement, written by Danny Watkins on behalf of the family, said: "The loss of my mother Maureen Watkins in horrific circumstances can not be fully articulated.

"There are no words to describe our loss."

He said the situation feels like a "surreal nightmare" and the family are still struggling to come to terms with what happened.

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Mr Watkins described his mother as "selfless and gracious" and said she "dedicated her life to supporting Eddie" from when he first had a mental breakdown over 20 years ago.

He said his mother "brought laughter and fits of giggles to our family" and said they can "still hear her singing to the children".

Mr Watkins added: "Every birthday and Christmas was special and spent together. Family time was very precious."

He said the family "strongly believe" Edward's needs are not being met and he said they have spoken out about this "time and time again".

The statement ended: "Eddie despite his illness did not have the right to take my mother's life and he must face an appropriate sentence."