Mum-of-two who strangled son, 7, to death at home before telling cops she ‘felt like a robot’ is detained in hospital
A MUM who strangled her own son to death at their home has been detained in hospital.
Papaipit Linse, 43, called police herself after killing seven-year-old Louis at a property in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, on January 10.
Louis was rushed to hospital from the scene, but was tragically pronounced dead little over an hour later.
In the call to police, Linse said she “felt like a robot” and was unable to stop herself.
Linse pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility at Swansea Crown Court last month, but denied murder.
The charge was accepted by the prosecution after reviewing a psychiatric report.
The mum has been held in custody at the Caswell Clinic, a medium secure mental health unit, since the death.
Linse was today sentenced to an indefinite hospital order.
Three psychiatrists who had viewed her case agreed her mental state was the sole reason for her killing her son.
Addressing Linse, Judge Paul Thomas said: “Your son Louis was not killed by you because you are a wicked person, he died because at the time you were suffering from a mental illness.
“Had you not been so ill at that time it never would have happened and you would continue being a good, caring, loving mother to him.”
He added: “What happened to (Louis) was an unspeakable tragedy and I’m quite aware that his loss is quite unbearable for many people.
I truly hope, however, that the reasoning behind the order will be understood by them.”
Caroline Rees KC, prosecuting, earlier told the court Linse had herself called emergency services to report the death of her son, who was found in bed.
Louis was then rushed to Withybush General Hospital at around 10.44am after police were called to the address on Upper Market Street.
But he was pronounced dead at the hospital at 12pm.
The court was played recordings of Linse’s call to police and body-worn camera footage of officers arriving at the scene.
She repeatedly told cops “I killed my son” and that she had strangled him.
Asked why she had done it, she said: “I felt totally mental this morning, I felt like a robot and couldn’t control myself and my mind.
“I was completely twisted, all kind of things came up in my mind, I felt like a robot, and I did it.”
Linse told the call handler she was unable to check on Louis because of what she had done.
She added: “I did what I did, I can’t go there.
Ms Rees said Linse let police in to the property, with officers then rushing to Louis’ room, but were unable to resuscitate him.
She told the court: “He wasn’t breathing, there was no sign of a heartbeat.
“The officer immediately started CPR and resuscitation attempts.”
Linse was born in Thailand and describes herself on social media as a “mum and freelancer with two British kids”.
Her husband Edward, 51, is also currently in a secure psychiatric hospital after he battered his wife with a Peppa Pig book in 2017.
He also attacked his wealthy parents at their £1.2million Cheshire home following a 40-year grudge.
Addressing Linse, judge Paul Thomas KC said: “It’s a sensitive as well as a tragic case.”
Speaking after the manslaughter plea had been accepted, Detective Chief Inspector Gary Williams, senior investigating officer, said: “This was a tragic incident which saw officers respond to the death of a young child at the hands of his mother.
“Despite arriving at an extremely challenging and emotive scene, all those present acted with professionalism and care, with the united goal of carrying out a thorough investigation into the circumstances.
“My team and I have worked tirelessly since January to hold Linse responsible for Louis’ death, and to ensure justice is brought.
“Our thoughts remain with all those who knew and loved Louis.”