From the Telegraph & Argus, first published Friday 30th Nov 2001.
A FATHER of four was suffering from a `psychotic and depressive' mental illness when he battered
his wife with a brick in the grounds of High Royds Hospital, a court heard.
He later staggered towards another patient, his hands and clothes covered in
blood, and said he had murdered her.
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| Denton Ward |
Christopher John Holland, 43, former caretaker of Otley's Orchardgate shopping area, was detained
indefinitely under the Mental Health Act by Leeds Crown Court this week after admitting the manslaughter of wife, Jennifer,
41, on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
Dr Philip Reid, of Newton Lodge Hospital, Wakefield backed a recommendation that Holland should be
detained there, saying he might present `a risk of serious harm' to the public.
The court heard Holland, of Prestwick Close, had become convinced he was suffering from a terminal
illness, and attacked his wife after becoming afraid he would `die alone'.
Mrs Holland suffered extensive head and facial injuries, and died some weeks later from medical complications
resulting from her injuries, the court heard.
Prosecuting, Andrew Dallas, said Holland, who had suffered a nervous breakdown in his late 20s, became
convinced he had a terminal condition such as cancer earlier this year.
He was taken to St James's hospital, Leeds, on April 4, claiming he had taken a Paracetamol overdose.
Holland was transferred to Denton Ward of High Royds Hospital on April 14, and
travelled to Menston with his wife.
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| Isolation - Observation Cell Denton |
He was said to have shown no signs of aggression, and chatted with Mrs Holland.
Mr Dallas said after seeing a hospital doctor, Holland asked permission for himself
and his wife to go walking in the hospital grounds.
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| Medicine Cabinet In The Same Building |
After the alarm was raised by the patient he had approached, Holland, who was said to have appeared
dazed, but not violent or obstructive, led them to a wooded area.
Mrs Holland was found lying on her back, covered in blood, with a brick lying next to her.
The court heard he told staff he had not intended to kill her.
Mrs Holland
was taken to Leeds General Infirmary, where she was treated for a broken jaw, and a fractured skull.
In a police interview, Holland said he had believed he was dying, but did not
want to die alone, and lose his wife.
Holland told police he and Mrs Holland had gone for a walk to look at the buildings of High Royds,
but attacked her after his thoughts again turned to dying alone.
Mr Dallas said Holland had told police: "Everything went blank, and I had a brick in my hand and
I'd killed her."
Despite later being discharged from hospital, Mrs Holland developed pneumonia
and blood clots.
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| Denton/Bolton Corridor Link |
She died in hospital on May 25.
Representing Holland, Steven Garth said Mrs Holland's death was a tragedy.
In sentencing, Mr Justice Cooke said: "You have pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of your wife under
tragic circumstances, on the basis of diminished responsibility.
I'm satisfied of the evidence that you are suffering from a mental illness."
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