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Charity admits stab death errors Charity admits stab death errors
(about 2 hours later)
A mental health charity has pleaded guilty to failing to protect the safety of an employee who was stabbed to death by a paranoid schizophrenic man. A mental health charity has pleaded guilty to failing to protect an employee who was stabbed to death by a paranoid schizophrenic man.
Ashleigh Ewing, 22, was found dead in Ronald Dixon's house at Heaton, Newcastle, in May 2006.Ashleigh Ewing, 22, was found dead in Ronald Dixon's house at Heaton, Newcastle, in May 2006.
Dixon, then 35, later denied murder, but admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility.Dixon, then 35, later denied murder, but admitted manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility.
Ms Ewing's employer, Sunderland-based Mental Health Matters admitted a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act.Ms Ewing's employer, Sunderland-based Mental Health Matters admitted a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act.
The Northumbria University psychology graduate, from Hebburn, South Tyneside, was visiting Dixon's home as part of her work with the charity when she was attacked. Newcastle Crown Court was told that the charity was aware that Dixon had a history of violence and refusing to take his medication.
Nonetheless, they sent the Northumbria University psychology graduate, from Hebburn, South Tyneside, to visit him alone.
She was stabbed 39 times with four different kitchen knives.She was stabbed 39 times with four different kitchen knives.
The prosecution said that the charity placed too much responsibility on front line staff to carry out risk assessments, and people like Ashleigh Ewing did not have enough experience and skill to carry them out.
The court was told that there was no guarantee that she would not have been killed if one had been done, but it would have reduced the likelihood of that happening.
Following a trial in October 2007, Dixon was detained indefinitely.Following a trial in October 2007, Dixon was detained indefinitely.
The sentencing of Mental Health Matters is expected later.