Rhondda Cynon Taf: Schizophrenic detained for killing woman

A schizophrenic who killed and then dismembered a woman at her home has been sentenced to an indefinite hospital order.

Luke Deeley, 26, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of June Fox-Roberts, 65, by reason of diminished responsibility.

Mrs Fox-Roberts' body was found at her Rhondda Cynon Taf home on 21 November, 2021.

University student Deeley appeared at Newport Crown Court via video link from a high security hospital.

WARNING: Article contains upsetting content

Deeley, of no fixed abode, entered the mother-of-three's home in St Annes Drive, Llantwit Fardre, near Pontypridd, on 21 November, 2021, through an unlocked door and killed her.

John Hipkin KC, prosecuting, said police were able to reconstruct what happened to the retired IT consultant through forensic and pathology investigations.

He said: "The defendant entered her home through an unlocked door. It is likely that June Fox-Roberts was disturbed and went downstairs encountering the defendant at the foot of the stairs.

"It was here the violence began. She was assaulted while upright in the hallway and further assaulted while on the floor."

She suffered blunt force injuries to her head.

These included at least one blow to the forehead which rendered her unconscious.

There was evidence she was stamped on.

Mrs Fox-Roberts' forearm was fractured which, the court heard, was the result of defensive injuries.

Mr Hipkin said: "From the hallway the defendant dragged June Fox-Roberts into the dining room placing her on a tarpaulin.

"He then proceeded to decapitate and dismember her."

Mr Hipkin said Deeley had used an axe, which was found at the scene.

A chainsaw was also found but not used.

Mrs Fox-Roberts' body was found by one of her daughters and a family friend who were concerned as they could not contact her.

After the killing Deeley tried to clean up the hallway. He also shaved and tried to colour his hair.

The court heard Deeley had previously been admitted to a psychiatric hospital and had for periods stopped taking prescribed medication.

In September 2021, he enrolled at the University of South Wales and moved into shared student accommodation in Roath, in Cardiff.

His housemates found his behaviour "challenging" and he was asked to move out - leaving his belongings behind.

When police searched that room "demonic" artwork was found, Mr Hipkin said.

Deeley was sleeping rough in the days before the killing.

Police tracked his movements using CCTV around Llantwit Fardre. He was arrested two days later and charged with murder.

Mr Hipkin told the court Deeley had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.

Due to his illness the Crown accepted his plea of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility.

David Elias KC, defending, said: "No words can properly describe what Luke Deeley did to June Fox-Roberts or the anguish he has caused to her family and friends."

On Friday judge Mr Justice Griffiths imposed a hospital order and a restriction order under the Mental Health Act.

The judge said Deeley acted under the belief a "higher power" was telling him to kill.

On finding June Fox-Roberts' front door unlocked he went inside.

The judge said he did this "terrible" thing because of his mental illness.

"You also had the delusional belief there was a group of individuals out to get you," Mr Justice Griffiths said.

"At 1.45am on Sunday, November 21, you were in her street. You discarded your cap and shoes in a garden.

"You appeared to have found an axe and you noticed the full moon. You claim to have found and put on a wolf facemask, although this has not been found."

Then he went into Mrs Fox-Roberts' house and began his attack.

The court heard there was no rational motive for Deeley's actions.

In a statement issued after, Mrs Fox-Roberts' family said their "world imploded" with her death.

"June was a mother, grandmother and great grandmother and loved spending time with her extended family," they said.

"And she was generous, if anyone had a problem, she would do anything in her power to help - which makes it so much harder to accept Luke could be so cruel to her for no reason."