Teesside woman given hospital order, after death of 8 year old boy
A woman who was found guilty of carrying out the act which led to the death of her eight-year-old son has today been given a hospital order.
A woman who was found guilty of carrying out the act which led to the death of her eight-year-old son has today been given a hospital order.
Rhys Anthony Cameron passed away at an address in Billingham in September last year.
His mum Louise Cameron, 41, was charged in connection with his death but was deemed medically unfit to stand trial. However, the court still needed to establish whether she physically carried out the act.
On Thursday 11 June at Teesside Crown Court, the jury came to the conclusion that she did carry out the act.
Cameron appeared at the same court on Thursday 18 June where she given a hospital order.
A statement from Rhys’ paternal aunt was read out in court today in which she described how Rhys “brought joy” to all in his life.
It reads: “Rhys was only eight years old when his life was taken. He was a little boy with his own unique personality; he had his own way of seeing the world. Rhys was autistic but autism didn’t define him. He was a child who deserved love, protection, understanding and the chance to grow up.
“Rhys had people who cared deeply for him. He brought joy to those who knew him, his smile, voice, his likes and dislikes, his routines and the things that made him unique. These are now memories that we hold on to because we will never have the opportunity to make new ones with him.
“The loss of Rhys has left a wound that can never heal, every birthday, Christmas, family gathering and ordinary day is a reminder that he should be here. We have been deprived of watching him grow, learn and develop into the person he was meant to become. The circumstances of Rhys’ death make this loss even more painful. The knowledge of how Rhys died adds immeasurable anguish to our grief.
“The impact on our family has been devastating, we live with sadness, anger, heart break and unanswered questions. There is a constant sense of loss that follows us every day. Rhys’ absence is felt in every part of our lives.
“What makes this loss even harder to live with is the belief that Rhys was failed by Louise. Nothing can bring Rhys back. Nothing can restore the years he was denied or the future that was stolen from him. We can only ask that the court remembers that this case is about a little boy whose life mattered, whose voice can no longer be heard and whose loss will be felt for the rest of our lives.
“The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to the police officers, detectives, family liaison officers and our barristers who have supported us throughout this unimaginable journey.
“Rhys will forever be loved, forever missed and forever remembered.”
Senior Investigating Officer Superintendent Deb Fenny said: “We recognise that today’s outcome will not lessen the profound pain felt by Rhys’ family, but we hope it may provide them with a small measure of closure as they continue to navigate their unimaginable loss.
"Throughout these proceedings, they have demonstrated remarkable courage and resilience, and I sincerely hope they are now able to find some comfort in the support around them.
“It has been clear to everyone involved in this investigation just how deeply loved Rhys was and the lasting impact he had on those who knew him during his tragically short life. I hope his family and friends are able to hold on to the many happy memories they shared with him and find strength in those moments.
“This has been an incredibly distressing and complex case for all involved. I would like to acknowledge the unwavering professionalism, compassion and determination shown by my officers throughout. Their commitment has ensured we have reached this outcome whilst continuing to support Rhys’ loved ones with care and dignity. Our thoughts remain with his family.”