Man Given Hospital Order After Killing Sister in East Devon
A man who killed his elderly sister at their family home in East Devon earlier this year has been sentenced to a hospital order after admitting manslaughter by diminished responsibility.
Richard Law, 68, of Lark Rise, Newton Poppleford, was handed the order at Exeter Crown Court on Thursday, 24 July. He had previously pleaded guilty to killing his 70-year-old sister, Judith Law, in a violent incident in January.
Emergency services were called to the home on Friday 17 January 2025 after Law himself phoned police and calmly told a call handler: “I’ve killed my sister, so I need you to come.”
Upon arrival, officers discovered Miss Law in an upstairs bedroom with a severe head injury. She was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
During his arrest and the journey to custody, Law made several significant admissions, telling officers that he had struck his sister with a hammer. He also revealed that his mental health had deteriorated since Christmas Day 2024, and that he had harboured suicidal thoughts for several weeks prior to the killing.
Law told police he had planned to take his own life after killing his sister but had ultimately not gone through with it.
At a previous hearing on 16 May, he admitted manslaughter by diminished responsibility. His Honour Judge Anna Richardson issued a hospital order under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act, with a Section 41 restriction, meaning Law will be detained indefinitely in a secure psychiatric facility where he has remained since his arrest.
‘Tragic Loss in Exceptionally Sad Circumstances’
Detective Inspector Guy Biggar, of the Devon and Cornwall Police Major Crime Investigation Team, said:
“The family, friends and neighbours of Judith have endured a tragic loss in exceptionally sad circumstances. I would like to thank them for their support throughout this investigation and my thoughts, and those of the entire investigation team, are with them at this time.”
Victim Support
Anyone affected by this incident or in need of support can contact Victim Support on 08 08 16 89 111 or the Victim Care Unit at Devon and Cornwall Police on 01392 475900.
