asked Her Majesty's Government:
What research they have carried out relating to the number of homicides committed by people with mental illness; what are the trends in this number; what lessons they have learnt from these cases; and whether they have any plans to publish this research. [HL414]
The Government have commissioned the national confidential inquiry into suicide and homicide by people with mental illness to examine all incidences of suicide and homicide by people in contact with mental health services in the United Kingdom. The inquiry’s latest report covering England and Wales, which was published on 4 December 2006, shows no clear evidence of either a rise or a fall in the number of homicides by people with mental illness. The report is available in the library and can be downloaded from http://www.medicine.manchester.ac.uk/suicideprevention/nci/.
asked Her Majesty's Government:
What method of killing was employed in each of the 35 homicides perpetrated in England and Wales in 2002-03 by individuals with a mental illness; and how this pattern compares with that of the other 838 homicides perpetrated in the same period. [HL471]
The Question appears to relate to Home Office data collected from police forces and the courts. The most recently available figures were published in table 2.06 of Violent Crime Overview, Homicide and Gun Crime 2004/05 (HOSB 02/06). As of 28 November 2005, there were 953 offences currently recorded as homicide in England and Wales during the financial year 2002-03.
In 42 of these cases the apparent circumstance of the offence was classed as being an
“irrational act carried out by an apparently insane or disturbed subject”,
included in the above publication as “suspect mentally disturbed”. However, as only one circumstance can be recorded per case, these figures do not include all those homicides committed by a suspect with mental health problems.
The Home Office also publishes annual data about persons managed under Mental Health Act powers, including those convicted of homicide. Latest published figures are in Statistics of Mentally Disordered Offenders 2004 (HOSB 22/05). In 2004 there were 99 homicide convictions resulting in suspects being detained under Part III of the Mental Health Act 1983. These figures cannot, however, be broken down to show the method of killing.
Circumstance Method Total Suspect mentally disturbed3 Other circumstances Sharp instrument 266 14 252 Blunt instrument 47 4 43 Hitting, kicking, etc 147 7 140 Strangulation4 64 5 59 Shooting5 75 0 75 Explosion 4 2 2 Burning 22 5 17 Drowning 6 0 6 Poison or drugs6 201 1 200 Motor vehicle7 21 0 21 Other 51 4 47 Not known 49 0 49 Total 953 42 911 1 As at 28 November 2005; figures are subject to revision as cases are dealt with by the police and by the courts or as further information becomes available. 2 In a very small number of cases the circumstances of a homicide could be classified into more than one category and an assessment been made of the principal circumstances. 3 Offences included here relate to circumstances considered to be “irrational act carried out by apparently insane or disturbed suspect”. 4 Includes asphyxiation. 5 Includes shooting by crossbow. 6 Includes 172 victims of Dr Harold Shipman. 7 Excludes death by careless/dangerous driving and aggravated vehicle taking.
asked Her Majesty's Government:
In how many of the 35 homicides perpetrated in England and Wales in 2002–03 by individuals with a mental illness the victim was known to the perpetrator; and how this pattern compares with that of the other 838 homicides perpetrated in the same period.[HL472]
The Question appears to relate to Home Office data collected from police forces and the courts and the most recently available figures were published in table 2.06 of Violent Crime Overview, Homicide and Gun Crime 2004/05 (HOSB 02/06). As of 28 November 2005, there were 953 offences currently recorded as homicide in England and Wales during the financial year 2002-03.
In 42 of these cases the apparent circumstance of the offence was classed as being an “irrational act carried out by an apparently insane or disturbed subject”. The victim and principal suspect were acquainted in 29 of these cases (69 per cent). It is important to note that data on the homicide index include only one circumstance per case and so these figures do not include all those homicides where a suspect has mental health problems. Other circumstances were recorded in the remaining 911 cases, including 399 where the victim and principal suspect were acquainted (44 per cent).
The Home Office also publishes annual data about persons managed under Mental Health Act powers, including those convicted of homicide. Latest published figures are in Statistics of Mentally Disordered Offenders 2004 (HOSB 22/05). In 2004 there were 99 homicide convictions resulting in suspects being detained under Part III of the Mental Health Act 1983.