Man, 18, who killed mum with claw hammer sentenced

An 18-year-old who killed his mother with a claw hammer will be kept in a secure hospital indefinitely.

Frederico Canuzo, from Warrington, had already admitted the manslaughter of his mother, 48-year-old Chintzia McIntyre, outside their home in Warrington in August last year.

Mrs McIntyre's husband was alerted to the attack by his video doorbell camera, and called the police.

Canuzo pleaded guilty to the offence on the grounds of diminished responsibility and, at Liverpool Crown Court earlier, was detained under the Mental Health Act.

Cheshire Police officers were called by Mrs McIntyre's husband at about 09:40 GMT on 29 August.

They arrived at the house, in Phoenix Place, Great Sankey, to find Mrs McIntyre with serious head injuries.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police found Canuzo on a train heading to London.

Cheshire Police Det Insp Eli Atkinson, who led the investigation, said: "This was an exceptionally traumatic incident for all those involved, especially Chintzia's family and neighbours and emergency services who tried to help her.

"While nothing can ever be done to bring Chintzia back, I do hope that the conclusion of this case will bring her family some closure.

"Our thoughts remain with Chintzia's friends and family at this time, and we would like to thank them for their assistance throughout our investigation."

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