A British expatriate, Susan Higginbotham, was tragically murdered in her home in a quiet French village by her neighbor, Hicham Bahloul. The incident, which occurred when Higginbotham was living what friends and family described as her “dream life,” shocked the local community and those who knew her. Originally from Mansfield, she had relocated to France seeking a peaceful existence.

Hicham Bahloul, who suffered from mental illness, was convicted of the crime and sentenced to life imprisonment. During the trial, it emerged that Bahloul had strangled and inflicted multiple injuries on Higginbotham. His confession revealed a distressing acceptance of his actions, with an acknowledgment that he would commit the same crime if released, and an expressed preference to remain in custody due to his inability to handle freedom.

The gruesome nature of the attack and Bahloul’s history of violence highlighted issues surrounding mental health and the dire consequences of its neglect. The community and Higginbotham’s circle were left mourning the loss of a woman described as “happy” and “funny,” whose initial reservations about moving to France had been overcome by her desire for a tranquil life.