South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust has confirmed it is holding an internal review after a woman caring for her mentally ill son was killed by him in their Peckham home.
Fifty-five-year-old Edward Watkins admitted the manslaughter of his mum Maureen Watkins at her home in Ethnard Road on the grounds of diminished responsibility and appeared at the Old Bailey on Thursday, May 9.
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 last year, according to the prosecution’s note for sentence.
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.
Sentencing on Thursday Judge Anthony Leonard QC handed Watkins a hospital order under the Mental Health Act.
On Tuesday, May 14, the Maudsley’s director of nursing Beverley Murphy, confirmed the trust was holding a review into the case.
She said: “On behalf of South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, I would like to my offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Maureen Watkins following this very sad incident.
“An internal investigation into the care and treatment of Edward Watkins and his family is still ongoing.”
A family statement, written by Danny Watkins on behalf of the family, said: “The loss of my mother Maureen Watkins in horrific circumstances cannot be fully articulated.
“There are no words to describe our loss.”
He said the situation felt like a “surreal nightmare” and the family were still struggling to come to terms with what happened.
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.”