Son Receives Hospital Order for Mother’s Stabbing Death

A hospital order has been imposed on a man following the fatal stabbing of his mother at his residence. Sebastian Compton, aged 47, faced a murder charge for the death of Michele Romano, 68, which occurred on 9 February in Readers Court, Great Baddow, near Chelmsford. He entered a plea of guilty to manslaughter, citing diminished responsibility. During the sentencing proceedings at Chelmsford Crown Court, Judge Mary Loram stated that Compton was “undergoing acute psychosis at the time of the killing.” The judge further remarked, “The defendant is of previous good character and there is nothing to suggest that he had anything but a good relationship with his mother.” Evidence presented in court indicated that Compton received a schizophrenia diagnosis in 2008 and had been prescribed the antipsychotic medication clozapine until late 2023. The court was informed that he had communicated to a doctor his decision to cease the medication because he felt “well.” Andrew Jackson, the prosecuting barrister, stated that Mrs Romano was a “regular visitor” to Compton’s flat, attending to ensure his well-being and ability to cope. Mr Jackson recounted Compton’s statement, in which he claimed a confrontation occurred, and Mrs Romano was “going for him,” prompting Compton to retrieve a kitchen knife and stab her 20 times. The prosecutor detailed that Mrs Romano sustained stab wounds to her face, arm, and torso. On the day the killing took place, neighbours contacted the police, prompted by worries about Compton’s appearance. Mr Jackson reported, “They thought he was wearing red gloves, but they realised it was blood.” Believing Compton to be injured, they proceeded to dial 999. Upon their arrival, emergency personnel inquired about Compton’s condition, to which he responded: “No, I’ve just killed my mum.” When police questioned how he had committed the act, he stated that he had stabbed her approximately 20 times. He then requested to be taken to a mental health unit. Paramedics discovered Mrs Romano lying behind the kitchen door in her son’s apartment, fully clothed, wearing slippers, and “drenched in blood,” the court was informed. Mr Jackson added that a blood-covered kitchen knife was found beside her body. Mr Jackson conveyed to the court that Compton had stated: “It was not me, it was psychosis, it was an act of God.” He further quoted Compton as saying, “I don’t know why I did it. Taking someone’s life is not good.” A letter from Compton’s stepfather, Thierry Romano, was presented in court, in which he described his wife as having “walked into a death trap.” He expressed being “haunted” by her death and described the emotional toll as unbearable. Dr Raman Deo, a consultant in forensic psychiatry, testified: “This man had remained very well over a prolonged number of years.” He further explained, “The deterioration of his mental state happened when he became non-compliant with his medication.” Judge Loram acknowledged “the seriousness of the offence and the fact that there was loss of life.” She emphasized the importance of considering the “whole history,” noting that Compton had been on his medication for nearly 16 years.