Home / Crime and Justice / Healer's Manslaughter Conviction Appeal Granted
Healer's Manslaughter Conviction Appeal Granted
6 Mar
Summary
- Alternative healer convicted of manslaughter for woman's death.
- Victim died during a controversial 'slap and stretch' workshop.
- Healer is allowed to appeal his 10-year prison sentence.
Hongchi Xiao, 63, an alternative healer, has been granted leave to appeal his conviction for the manslaughter of Danielle Carr-Gomm. Ms. Carr-Gomm, 71, died in October 2016 following a Paida Lajin therapy workshop held at Cleeve House in Wiltshire. This therapy involves participants repeatedly slapping themselves or others.
Xiao was convicted of manslaughter by gross negligence in 2024 and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. He was extradited from Australia for the trial. Ms. Carr-Gomm, from Lewes, East Sussex, had Type 1 diabetes and reportedly sought alternatives to insulin due to vegetarianism and a fear of needles.
During the workshop, witnesses observed Ms. Carr-Gomm in distress, described as vomiting, tired, weak, and howling in pain by the third day. She died on the fourth day. She had previously provided a strong testimonial for Xiao, calling him a 'messenger sent by God'.
