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Mother's Delusion Leads to Daughter's Near-Fatal Stabbing
20 Mar
Summary
- Mother stabbed her disabled daughter multiple times.
- Victim suffered catastrophic injuries and required lifesaving treatment.
- Attacker experienced delusions and declined mental health services.
Carla Lovejoy, 54, has been sentenced to indefinite hospital detention after stabbing her severely disabled daughter, Isabella Lovejoy, 28. The attack occurred on March 20, 2025, at their home in Broadstairs, Kent. Isabella suffered catastrophic injuries to her abdomen and chest, requiring urgent lifesaving treatment and three months in hospital before being placed in care. Doctors stated she would have died without prompt intervention.
Lovejoy, Isabella's sole carer, had been experiencing severe depression and psychotic symptoms, including thoughts of human sacrifice and delusional beliefs. The court heard she declined mental health support fearing her daughter would be removed. Following a trial in December, Lovejoy was found guilty of attempted murder, acknowledging her actions were wrong despite her mental state. Her other daughter described the immense family toll and her sister's current thriving state in care.
