Man, aged 22, stabbed his mother to death in the home they shared
A MOTHER was stabbed to death by her 22-year-old son in the £750,000 home they shared, a court heard yesterday.
Thomas Fisher admitted manslaughter by diminished responsibility.
Police found Fiona Fisher dead at the five-bedroom Victorian house in Crowborough, East Sussex, on April 27 after being asked to check on her welfare.
The 51-year-old shop manager had been killed by a single stab wound to the chest, detectives said.
Fisher had been due to stand trial for murder at Lewes Crown Court on Monday this week.
But proceedings were postponed until yesterday when the prosecution accepted his alternative plea of manslaughter.
Challenge
Fisher also admitted fraud after using a Marks & Spencer Mastercard in his mother’s name and driving while disqualified.
Fisher, who wore a grey sweatshirt and had copper-blond highlights in his short, spiked hair, remained silent during the 10-minute hearing.
In a quiet, barely audible voice, he spoke only to confirm his name and enter the pleas.
He appeared in the dock flanked by a custody officer and three psychiatric nurses.
He did not speak to or look at members of his family who sat behind him in the public gallery.
The court heard that Fisher, who is presently under the care of a psychiatrist, had kept a journal or diary in the run-up to the killing which highlighted his state of mind at the time.
Matthew Jewell, prosecuting, said that Fisher had also been examined by two separate psychiatrists who had drawn up reports. Mr Jewell said: “A journal or diary that was being kept by the defendant, both psychiatrists conclude that it offers significant insight into his state of mind leading up to the events.
“That is the type of evidence that is not open to challenge.”
At the time of her death, Mrs Fisher’s devastated family described her as “irreplaceable”.
A statement released on their behalf by police said: “Fiona will be sadly missed by her daughter Megan, her mother Dorothy and stepfather Les, as well as her father.
“There are no words to explain the love those around her felt for her, she is irreplaceable.”
Mrs Fisher’s former employer, L’Occitane, said the company was “deeply saddened” by the loss of a friend and former coworker.
Mrs Fisher had worked at the Tunbridge Wells branch of the cosmetics and beauty store, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Mr Jewell told the court: “This matter was due to be tried this week but a resolution has been reached.”
He said that this had been the “subject of consideration” but after consultation with legal counsel and the family it was decided that the plea was “acceptable to the prosecution”.
Judge Christine Laing adjourned the proceedings for psychiatric reports to be prepared.
Fisher was remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced on November 1.