A man entered a stranger’s home at random before beating and decapitating her, a court heard.
Luke Deeley, 26, admitted manslaughter in the death of June Fox-Roberts, 65, who was discovered dead at her home on November 21, 2021.
According to police, they visited the property after receiving a call from a concerned family member.
Deeley was charged with murder, but the British Crown accepted his not guilty plea at an earlier hearing. Instead, he admitted to an alternative count of manslaughter based on reduced responsibility, according to Wales Online.
According to Deeley’s lawyer, John Hipkin KC, Deeley was sectioned under Section 45 of the Mental Health Act and was remanded in a psychiatric hospital. He said that three psychiatrist reports were made and all agreed that Deeley was suffering from a “abnormality of mind” known as paranoid Schizophrenia.
The court heard how a man entered a stranger at random.
Deeley’s ability to appreciate the nature of his conduct and develop logical judgment was also agreed to be “substantially impaired” as a result of his condition. Barrister Hipkin stated during the punishment hearing on Friday, April 28, that the victim had resided in her home in Llantwit Fardre, Wales, for 40 years and worked as an IT trainer.
“Despite having several medical issues, she was known to those who knew her as a caring, motherly figure who was strong in her independence,” Mr Hipkin added. He went on to say, “There is no evidence to suggest she knew the defendant.”
The court heard how a man entered a stranger at random.
In March 2019, Deeley was taken to a psychiatric facility for “just under a month for an acute psychotic episode.” Mr. Hipkin stated:
“As a result, he was prescribed anti-psychotic medication.” His parents called the community mental health team in July 2021 with worries about his presentation, including his lack of sleep and continuous pacing.
“As a result, a consultant psychiatrist and social worker paid a home visit to the defendant.” He informed the psychiatrist that he had weaned himself off medication. As a result, the psychiatrist provided him an anti-psychotic emergency supply.”
Deeley started university in Cardiff in September 2021 and moved into a shared residence in Roath with other students who found his behavior “challenging.” Mr. Hipkin stated:
“Examples include him keeping other residents’ room keys, playing excessively loud music, and causing fire alarm system damage.”
On November 11, 2021, however, he splashed water on a female house inhabitant while calling her a “b****” and a “c***”. Other students filed a complaint with the house agent, which resulted in the defendant leaving the property without taking any of his personal belongings.
“During a subsequent police search of that room, a quantity of artwork drawn by the defendant, demonic in nature, was recovered,” the prosecution continued. Deeley was seen strolling around on CCTV several times after she moved out.
On November 18, he was spotted near the university campus, trying numerous doors at the student union building.
He was observed at Church Village and Llantwit Fardre on November 19 and 20.
Mrs Fox-Roberts dropped both of her daughters off at Pontyclun railway station on November 19 since they were going away for the weekend and she would be alone in the house. Deeley was spotted on CCTV entering Mrs Fox-Roberts’ home around 1.45 a.m. on November 21.
“The defendant entered number 49 through an unlocked door,” Mr Hipkin said. Mrs Fox-Roberts was probably disturbed and went downstairs. The violence started right here. She was assaulted when standing in the corridor and again while on the floor.
In his post mortem report, pathologist Dr. RIchard Jones identified blunt force injuries to June Fox-Roberts’s head that looked to have been inflicted in life.
“Among her injuries was a blow to the head that had to have knocked her out.” There were compression-type injuries to her body, indicating stamping, and fractures to her left forearm, indicating defensive-type injuries.
“From the premises’ hallway, the defendant dragged June Fox-Roberts into the dining room area and placed her in a tarpaulin.” He proceeded to decapitate and dismember her, placing her limbs into separate bags with an axe discovered at the site.” Deeley also carried a chainsaw inside the house, although he did not use it to dismember Mrs Fox-Roberts.
CCTV footage showing Deeley talking and singing to himself while wrapped in a blanket was shown in court. He slept in a trailer that night. On November 23, he was arrested, and a video of his detention was shown in court.
Luke Deeley reportedly dressed himself as a wolf after sighting a full moon.
Police also discovered attempts to clean up the scene in the corridor. There was additional evidence that Deeley shaved and coloured his hair before leaving the property. The court heard that he was formerly of good character.
Deeley was sentenced at Newport Crown Court by Justice Griffiths, who put him subject to a hospital order under section 37 of the Mental Health Act 1983, which means he will be confined in a high-security institution. He was also subject to specific restrictions laid out in section 41 of the act, which had no time limit. Mr. Justice Griffiths stated in his sentence remarks:
“If you are not detained, there is a high risk that you will commit additional serious offenses.” Detention is required to protect the general population from substantial damage. It is impossible to predict how long this will continue.”
In his sentencing remarks, Mr Justice Griffiths told the court, “The impact of [Mrs Fox-Roberts’] death and the manner of her dying, on her family and friends, has been set out in statements to the court.”
“You thought a higher power told you to murder someone. You went inside after finding June Fox-Roberts’ door unlocked.
“As she walked up in front of you, you attacked her violently, and while defending herself, she suffered fractures to her left forearm.” You hit her in the head with a blunt object. One of them threw her out. When she was on the floor, you appeared to trample on her and drag her body into the dining room, place her on tarpaulin, and then cut off her head and limbs with an axe you brought in from the garden, place them in bags, and [they were] later discovered in the house.”
