Legal News
Murder Suspect Sought Help for Mental Illness Before Stabbing Shopper (14 October 2011)
Date: 14/10/2011
A woman who allegedly killed a stranger had left a mental health unit just 90 minutes earlier, it has been revealed. The 31-year-old had voluntarily admitted herself into Oxleas House in Woolwich before promptly leaving whilst staff had prepared a bed and medication for her. Staff at the mental unit followed the woman but failed to reach her before she left the site in a taxi. The woman was referred to the unit following attempts to get herself sectioned under the Mental Health Act at the neighbouring A&E department at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The woman had been receiving care from Oxleas NHS Trust since 2006.
Following leaving the mental health unit, the woman allegedly stabbed Sally Hodkin, 59, to death in a random attack in Bexleyheath. Mrs. Hodkin was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. Before the killing, the woman allegedly injured a 23-year-old shopper following fighting with her after buying a knife from an Asda store. On being disarmed, the woman stole a steak knife from a butcher's shop before threatening to stab a staff member and killing Mrs. Hodkin. Police have charged Nicola Edgington of Greenwich with murder and attempted murder.
Duncan Lewis’ successful mental health department assists clients suffering from mental health problems who are being compulsorily detained under the Mental Health Act 1983. The department’s dedicated mental health solicitors are proud of the level of care they provide to their clients and their families. The department focuses on the individual rights and liberties of those being detained; their solicitors will endeavour to exercise their clients’ legal rights and provide detailed advice to them while in hospital detention.