Pensioner's Death: Police & NHS Failed Family

A pensioner's family has alleged systemic failures by two police forces and an NHS trust after he was killed by a mental health patient who had absconded. The patient, Emma Borowy, fatally stabbed Roger Leadbeater, 74, in August 2023. She had absconded from a unit in Bolton, Greater Manchester.

The inquest, concluded on Thursday, revealed Ms. Borowy had a history of absconding and non-compliance. The coroner highlighted that leave was granted two days before the attack due to staff failing to follow policies and maintain accurate risk assessments.

Coroner Tanyka Rawden criticized handover procedures between Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire police forces for vulnerable missing individuals. She concluded that had procedures been followed, leave would likely not have been granted due to high-risk factors.

Mr. Leadbeater's niece stated that those in positions of trust "failed on every level," emphasizing the devastating consequences of their decisions. She recounted her uncle suffering 124 injuries, describing the attack as "barbaric beyond comprehension."

The inquest heard Ms. Borowy, suffering from paranoid schizophrenia, believed she was "tricked by the devil" into the "ritual sacrifice." She had previously spoken to officers about violent intentions and was first sectioned after killing two goats.

Reports will be sent to police forces and the Home Office regarding missing vulnerable people. The coroner will decide later in August whether to issue a report to the NHS trust after hearing of planned procedural improvements.

Police and the NHS trust have issued apologies to the family, acknowledging failures and stating that steps are being taken to improve protocols and prevent future tragedies.