Defendant convicted of mother’s murder after blaming demonic influence

A defendant, who attributed the fatal throat-cutting of his mother to demonic influence, has been found guilty of murder. Anna Jones, aged 44, was discovered deceased at approximately 20:00 BST on 9 May 2023, within her flat located on Station Road in Petersfield, Hampshire. Anarlyn Jones, previously identified as Bronwyn Jones and now identifying as male, had entered a plea of not guilty to murder but confessed to manslaughter, citing diminished responsibility. The 26-year-old individual, residing on Jacaranda Road, Bordon, is scheduled for sentencing at Portsmouth Crown Court on 31 January. Evidence presented in court revealed that the defendant, who has a documented history of mental illness, had previously attempted to strangle his mother in October 2022. According to prosecutor Sarah Jones KC, charges related to that incident were subsequently dropped after the assault was determined to be a “psychotic episode.” On the day of the fatal incident, neighbours residing in the flat above observed the defendant “clambering up the stairs like something out of a horror film,” as stated by the barrister. Ms Jones informed the jury that “He was covered head to toe in red… carrying a bottle of brandy.” “The defendant was repeating: ‘I’ve killed her, I’ve killed her.'” The barrister further noted that he had already contacted 999, providing an operator with varying accounts, either claiming his mother had implored him to commit the act or that demons were accountable. Nevertheless, she asserted that the killing was instigated by a “surge of anger,” exacerbated by the consumption of port, brandy, and beer. The court was informed that the defendant stated to detectives: “I climbed on top of her, kept slashing her.” “I was full of rage, anger. I was brought up in an abusive childhood by both [mum and dad].” “I still suffer from what my father did. On occasions, my mum, she used to beat me.” The jury was told that the victim “put up a vigorous struggle for life” but succumbed to “overwhelming blood loss” from her head, neck, trunk, and arms. The defendant chose not to provide testimony, and his legal team did not present any witnesses throughout the trial. Information regarding BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight can be accessed on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Details concerning their approach to external linking are available.