Mystery surrounds death of teenager Rowan Thompson who killed his mum in Hambledon, court hears

MYSTERY surrounds the death of a teenager who died at a secure mental health unit, just four days before he was due to stand trial charged with the murder of his mother in a quiet village, a court has heard.
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Police are awaiting the results of toxicology tests to establish a cause of death for 18-year-old Rowan Thompson, who died at the Gardener Unit at Prestwich Hospital in Manchester.

Thompson had previously pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of his mother, Joanna Thompson, at their home in Hambledon, but denied murder.

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In a hearing to stay proceedings at Winchester Crown Court, prosecutor Kerry Maylin said: ‘Rowan died unfortunately on October 3, the trial had been due to start on Wednesday of this week but, of course, this will now not proceed.

Pictured:  Police at the scene of the murder in Hambledon. Picture: Solent News & Photo AgencyPictured:  Police at the scene of the murder in Hambledon. Picture: Solent News & Photo Agency
Pictured: Police at the scene of the murder in Hambledon. Picture: Solent News & Photo Agency

‘This is a double tragedy with Mrs Thompson having died on July 1, 2019 at the hands of Rowan, which was accepted by him by way of his guilty plea to manslaughter.’

Greater Manchester Police told The News his death was not suspicious.

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Detective Sergeant Gary Cable, of Hampshire police, told the hearing that Thompson was under 15-minute observations at the secure unit and staff noticed he had not moved in his bed, at 12.30pm on October 3, and attempted CPR.

Joanna Thompson. Picture: Neil Marshall (180922-508)Joanna Thompson. Picture: Neil Marshall (180922-508)
Joanna Thompson. Picture: Neil Marshall (180922-508)
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He was taken to North Manchester General Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 2.20pm, Det Sgt Cable said.

He added that the results of the toxicology tests were expected in 21 days and an inquest would be opened into Thompson’s death.

The judge, Mr Justice Garnham, ordered for the file be closed on the murder charge.

A post mortem examination showed Mrs Thompson, 50, died as a result of neck injuries, according to police.

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Thompson was initially detained under Section 2 of the Mental Health Act following his mother’s death.

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