Philip Theophilou, who admitted to the manslaughter of his neighbour in 2004, was located in south London after escaping a mental health facility, highlighting ongoing challenges in managing individuals with severe mental health issues.
Philip Theophilou, 54, who had previously admitted to the manslaughter of his neighbour Simon Breed in 2004, was found at a hospital in south London after absconding from a mental health facility in Homerton, east London. The Metropolitan Police located Theophilou following a public appeal, and he was returned to the facility. Theophilou had been detained under the Mental Health Act after admitting to the killing of Mr. Breed, a crime committed outside the victim’s home following disputes between the two men.
In the 2004 incident, Theophilou, who has a history of mental health issues including schizophrenia, attacked Mr. Breed with a knife, resulting in his death. It was revealed in court that at the time of the attack, Theophilou had not been taking his medication for his condition. This was not the first instance of Theophilou exhibiting violent behavior towards Mr. Breed, as in 2003, he had damaged Mr. Breed’s property with a meat cleaver.
Following the manslaughter verdict, which was reached on the grounds of diminished responsibility due to Theophilou’s mental health, he was admitted to Broadmoor special hospital. The progression of events from property damage to a fatal attack underscores the challenges and necessities in mental health care and supervision for individuals with significant mental health issues.
