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Daniel Cook Sentenced to Hybrid Life Term for Manslaughter of His Mother With 21-Year Minimum

The judge accepted psychiatric evidence of schizophrenia and delusional beliefs, ordering hospital detention before any transfer to prison.

Overview

  • Leicester Crown Court heard that Cook, 39, fatally stabbed his mother, Ellen Cook, 72, more than 30 times after a May 11 family dinner at her Littlethorpe home.
  • Prosecutors said the attack began after a dispute over Cook moving back in and continued into the street as neighbours called police.
  • Three psychologists agreed he had schizophrenia and believed his mother was a witch, supporting a plea of diminished responsibility.
  • Police bodycam footage was shown as officers described using Tasers repeatedly to disarm and restrain Cook, with Ellen pronounced dead at 9:48 pm.
  • Background evidence noted a 2023 admission to the Bradgate Unit and a 2009 knife threat, while sisters’ statements warned he remains a danger if released.