Escaped psychiatric patient beat church warden to death

A man who escaped a secure psychiatric unit through an unlocked door and went on to kill a "beloved" church warden has been jailed.

David Parish broke into the Somerset home of 86-year-old Beryl Purdy in March 2023 and used a golf umbrella to beat her to death.

He was sentenced to six years in prison during a hearing at Bristol Crown Court earlier, having previously admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility.

The 38-year-old was having a psychotic episode when he absconded from a mental health unit in Taunton. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust said "changes have been made" after it reviewed security on the ward.

Mrs Purdy, known as Bez, was described as a "beloved wife, mother and granny" by her family.

In a statement, they said: "We are serving a life sentence of torment knowing that we were unable to save Bez from her attacker and the outcome of sentencing today also means that her attacker avoids a life sentence.

"We would not wish our hell on any other family and urge for a review of how the community can be protected from people with severe mental health issues."

The court was told that Parish had been detained under the mental health act the Saturday before he killed Mrs Purdy, after wielding a samurai sword at his parents' home, but he was released on the Sunday.

Later that afternoon, he was detained again in the secure psychiatric unit, the Rydon Ward at Wellsprings Hospital in Taunton.

On Monday, a door was left unlocked and he let himself out. He went to a nearby barber where he had his hair cut short and beard shaved off.

Later that day, he tried to pull a man from a car as he drove away from the car park in Fyne Court, a National Trust property in Somerset, but was unsuccessful.

A short time later, Parish gained access to Mrs Purdy's home in Broomfield, on the Quantock Hills, and killed her.

Expert medical evidence provided to the court concluded he was experiencing a psychotic episode of paranoid schizophrenia at the time that had been triggered by cannabis use.

The court heard this substantially impaired his judgement and self-control.

A spokesperson for Somerset NHS Foundation Trust confirmed it had carried out an investigation into the incident to identify "areas of learning" for the future.

"This includes a review of security arrangements on Rydon Ward, where appropriate changes have been made," they added.

"Our thoughts are with both families at what we realise will be a very difficult time."

A missing person report was made after Parish left the unit, hours before Mrs Purdy was killed.

Avon and Somerset Police referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to investigate how it handled the report.

The watchdog is yet to issue its findings but said it would do so after the conclusion of all criminal and coronial proceedings.

"Our thoughts and sympathies remain with Mrs Purdy's family," an IOPC spokesperson added.

Det Insp Debbie Hatch, from Avon and Somerset Police, said Ms Purdy's death was a "deeply tragic incident".

She added: "Our thoughts remain first and foremost with her family and friends, who have shown immense strength throughout what has been an incredibly difficult time.

"While the defendant's illness does not excuse his actions, it has been recognised as a key factor in the tragic events which unfolded."

She said she wanted to "pay tribute" to Mrs Purdy and the "life she led", adding: "She was described by those who knew her as a caring individual who would do anything for those who needed her.

"A dedicated church warden and a popular figure among the community. Her death has left a profound void in the lives of many.

"We hope today's outcome provides at least a degree of closure to those mourning her loss.

"We continue to work closely with our partners in health and social care to prevent similar tragedies, ensuring early prevention and support are available to those suffering from severe mental health."

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