Woman who killed friend in multiple stabbing is to remain in medical care

A WOMAN who killed her friend after stabbing her 16 times is to remain in hospital.

Josephine Carroll attacked Catherine Campbell, 39, as they walked down a lane in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, last July 25.

The 29-year-old yesterday appeared via video link for a hearing at the High Court in Glasgow.

She was acquitted of murder by a judge last month after it was ruled Carroll was mentally ill at the time.

Lady Stacey imposed both compulsion and restriction orders for Carroll to continue to receive medical treatment.

This was after two psychiatrists who have dealt with the mum provided reports for the court. The hearing was told she suffers from paranoid schizophrenia.

The judge told Carroll: “You will remain in the care of the doctors until such time it is thought safe to make other arrangements. I have noted that you have expressed regret for what happened.”

Carroll sobbed heavily as the hearing was concluded.

The court previously heard how concerns had been raised about Carroll, who was sectioned in June 2020 due to a “psychotic episode”.

Her mental health appeared to improve. It was then decided she did not need to be put in hospital.

The stabbing occurred after Carroll and Ms Campbell had left a friend’s house. As they walked down a lane, Carroll grabbed Ms Campbell by the hair, exposing her neck before launching an attack.

Rhonda Anderson, defending, said: “Miss Carroll continues to make progress and is anxious to continue to fully comply with the treatment. She has considerable regret and struggles to deal with the guilt of what occurred.”