THE heartbroken family of a killer who stabbed a mother to death and attempted to murder her daughter say they tried to get him help but were let down by ‘shameful’ mental health services.
We have already reported on the grief and pain felt by the family of Christina Rowe, who was strangled, trampled and stabbed through the heart by her ex-boyfriend Charles Byrne, before he attempted to dispose of her body in the River Severn at Diglis in Worcester.
LOVED: Christina Rowe, who was loved by family and friends.
Byrne’s family also released a statement saying their hearts are “broken” for the family of Miss Rowe, 28. They also criticize what they say was a lack of mental health support for him, saying the first time he saw a psychiatrist was after his arrest.
The typewritten statement was issued by the killer’s family on the day Byrne, who suffers from paranoid schizophrenia, was sentenced to life in prison at Worcester Crown Court last Friday. He will be detained in hospital, but the hybrid hospital order means that if his mental health improves, he can be transferred to prison.
KILLER: Charles Byrne. Photo: West Mercia Police
Statement from the family of Charles Byrne after his conviction
The statement from the Byrne family read: “Our hearts are broken for Christina’s family, although we cannot begin to know their pain.
“In the 20 months leading up to February 2021, we did everything we could to get the help Charlie desperately needed.
“It’s embarrassing that the first time he was seen by a psychiatrist was after his arrest.
“No other family should have to suffer a tragedy like this.”
Byrne, 25, is due to serve a minimum of 16 years after he tried to dump Miss Rowe’s body, which was first placed in a suitcase, in the river. He also tried to strangle her young daughter, whose name cannot be identified for legal reasons, who is said to be severely traumatized by the attack itself and the loss of her mother.
Response from Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust
A spokesman for the Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, the NHS trust responsible for mental health services in Worcestershire, said they support around 38,000 people new to mental health services (Herefordshire and Worcestershire) each year.
TRAGEDY: Sarah Duggan, executive director of the trust, expressed her condolences to the family of Christina Rowe. She says support is available for those suffering from mental health issues.
Their 24/7 helpline regularly receives over 1000 calls a month and a similar number a month are referred to the Healthy Minds team.
Sarah Dugan, Executive Director of the Trust, said: “It is not appropriate for us to comment on individual cases, but we offer our deepest condolences to Christina’s family and friends and to all involved in this tragic case.
“We have a number of services that support people with complex mental illnesses and the care and treatment provided will depend on each individual’s circumstances. We recognize the importance of listening to and acting on any concerns that arise so that they can be addressed quickly.” and effective.
“We continue to encourage anyone who is experiencing a deterioration of an existing mental health condition, experiencing a mental health crisis for the first time, or who has significant concerns about someone else’s mental health, to contact our helpline. mental health emergency 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0808 196 9127 (freephone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year).
“If you are experiencing more common, non-urgent issues such as stress or anxiety, our Healthy Minds service is available to help – you can reach them on 0300 013 57 27 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.”
Byrne, formerly of Waterworks Road, Barbourne, Worcester, will continue to be treated at Ashworth Hospital near Liverpool after he admitted manslaughter (under diminished responsibility) in relation to Christina Rowe and attempted murder in relation to her daughter.
