Son given hospital order for mother's manslaughter
Family handoutA 42-year-old man has been given a hospital order after admitting the manslaughter of his mother.
June Sanderson, 73, died from a brain bleed on 2 August, several days after being attacked by her son Steven Sanderson who was having a schizophrenic episode.
Sanderson, formerly of Wellington Street in Blyth, had previously been deemed unfit to stand trial but this was overturned in January, according to Northumbria Police.
Appearing at Newcastle Crown Court he pleaded not guilty to murder but admitted manslaughter and was placed under a hospital order.
In a statement read out in court, Sanderson's family said they had been to "hell and back".
"Mam is still in our thoughts and there are occasions where I forget that she has died and I'll think: 'I'll tell mam about that'.
"Then I am reminded of what has happened - nothing will bring mam back.
"But Steven is receiving treatment and can't hurt anyone else."
Det Ch Insp Steven Brown said: "This case has been difficult for all of those involved, and I'd like to praise the strength they've shown throughout these proceedings."