Woman Detained Indefinitely After Killing Landlord and Pet Cat in South London
A 34-year-old woman has been detained indefinitely under the Mental Health Act after admitting to killing her landlord and their pet cat during a psychotic episode at a residential address in Polsted Road, Catford.
Habiba Naveed, born 16 October 1989, pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility and animal cruelty. She was sentenced at the Old Bailey on Tuesday, 24 July.
The court imposed a hospital order under Section 37, along with a restriction order under Section 41, meaning Naveed may be held in a secure psychiatric facility for an indefinite period.
Victim Killed in His Own Home
Emergency services were called on Thursday, 15 August 2024, following concerns at the property. They discovered the body of 72-year-old solicitor Christopher Brown, who had suffered blunt force trauma to the head, neck, and chest.
Inside the home, officers also found the stabbed body of the pair’s pet cat, Snow, whose neck had been slashed.
Detectives found bloodstains throughout the property and a blood-covered kitchen knife. Naveed, who rented a room in Christopher’s home, was arrested the same day following reports from neighbours who heard shouting inside the house.
Mental Health History and Delusional Beliefs
The court heard that Naveed has a long-standing diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia. While on remand, she disclosed to a psychiatrist that she believed her landlord was possessed by evil and that a voice had instructed her to kill him three times.
She said she struck him with a pan, then strangled him. When Christopher begged her to stop, she struck him again. Naveed claimed she later believed the “evil spirit” had transferred into their cat, leading her to kill the animal with a knife.
Police and Family Reaction
Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn, who led the Specialist Crime investigation, said:
“Today’s sentencing concludes our investigation into the death of a man killed in his own home by a woman he lived with, trusted and considered his friend.
“Habiba Naveed has an established history of paranoid schizophrenia. The circumstances of this case highlight the dangers of the illicit use of cannabis and non-compliance with prescribed medication.”
She added:
“Christopher was an incredibly private and well-respected man within the community who is sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his family today.”
Guilty Plea and Outcome
On 27 January, Naveed formally pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. She was initially charged with murder on 16 August 2024, but this was later downgraded following psychiatric evaluations.
