Alternative Healer Imprisoned Following Patient’s Death

An alternative therapy practitioner has received a 10-year prison sentence for the manslaughter of a 71-year-old woman with diabetes, who ceased her insulin medication during his slapping therapy session. Danielle Carr-Gomm passed away in October 2016 during her participation in a Paida Lajin therapy gathering, a practice where individuals are repeatedly slapped or self-slap. Hongchi Xiao, residing in Cloudbreak, California, was found guilty by a jury in July at Winchester Crown Court of manslaughter due to gross negligence, having neglected to secure medical assistance for Ms Carr-Gomm at the Wiltshire event. Additionally, he received an extended five-year license period to commence following his incarceration. The 61-year-old individual was extradited from Australia for the proceedings, having previously faced prosecution there after a six-year-old boy’s death occurred when his parents discontinued his insulin treatment following attendance at the defendant’s Sydney workshop. Mr Justice Bright further stated that Xiao would be subject to deportation to America upon completion of his sentence. Ms Carr-Gomm’s death occurred at Cleeve House in Seend, Wiltshire, in October 2016, during her participation in the Paida Lajin therapy session. Ms Carr-Gomm, a resident of Lewes in East Sussex, suffered from Type 1 diabetes, necessitating daily insulin injections to manage her blood glucose concentrations. Despite this, she harbored a lifelong phobia of needles and had often explored alternative methods for managing her condition. Paida Lajin, translated as “slapping and stretching,” is a therapeutic practice where individuals strike themselves and others with the aim of eliminating bodily toxins. The court was previously informed that Ms Carr-Gomm was convinced of its efficacy and provided enthusiastic endorsements. Testimony presented in court indicated that Xiao remarked “well done” to Ms Carr-Gomm after she informed attendees of the week-long retreat that she had discontinued her insulin. According to prosecutor Duncan Atkinson KC, by the third day, “she was vomiting, tired and weak, and by the evening she was howling in pain and unable to respond to questions”. Ms Carr-Gomm, whose Type 1 diabetes diagnosis dated back to 1999, was observed “howling in pain” and “frothing at the mouth” as her condition severely deteriorated prior to her death on the workshop’s fourth day. Xiao’s extradition for the trial occurred from Australia, where he had previously faced legal action following the 2015 death of a six-year-old boy whose parents had ceased his insulin administration. During Xiao’s sentencing on Friday, Mr Bright stated: “You congratulated her [Danielle] when you found out she had stopped taking insulin.” He continued: “You failed to summon emergency medical care when you of all people knew she was likely to die without insulin.” Mr Bright added: “I believe you will continue to practice it. There is a risk you will actively or tacitly encourage followers to reduce their medication.” He concluded: “Letters from your supporters and the undiminished belief they and you have in Paida Lajin make me apprehensive. “I’m concerned history may repeat itself and this presents a risk to the public. In this specific regard I consider you dangerous.” Following her demise, her son, Matthew Carr-Gomm, commented that his mother was “desperate to try and cure herself of the disease”. He further stated: “She always maintained a healthy lifestyle and was adamant that nothing would stop her from living a full life.” Matthew Carr-Gomm added: “In recent years, mum was in a great place with a partner, a lovely home and was travelling the world. She had a lot of life left in her,” he said. Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker of Wiltshire Police remarked that Xiao’s not-guilty plea merely demonstrated his limited contrition. He commented: “Danielle was a mother and a grandmother who enjoyed life and had a love of travelling – her death came as a huge shock to her family and friends and our thoughts are very much with them at this time.” For updates, follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story submissions can be sent via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available for review.