Dan Harrison, 37, punched, kicked and stamped on Kim Harrison, 68, a retired breast specialist, at his home in Clydach, Swansea, after he became increasingly paranoid and believed his mother Jane Harrison was in danger from her husband her. After his arrest, psychiatrists concluded that he had suffered for around 15 years from paranoid schizophrenia and had “persecutive delusions”. Judge Paul Thomas QC imposed hospital orders under the Mental Health Act, meaning Harrison will be held indefinitely in a secure unit, after admitting manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. In a statement released through South Wales Police, the Harrison family said Kim Harrison was a “wonderful person”. They continued: “As a family we are struggling to understand why it took the loss of Kim’s life for him to finally receive confirmation of his long-term diagnosis. We are very relieved that this has enabled him to get professional support and resume the treatment he has desperately needed over the past two years. “As a family we now want to be given the time and space to grieve, process events and find a way to live without Kim – our much loved husband, father and brother. We will continue to love and support Dan.” Swansea Crown Court heard Dan Harrison had been detained under the Mental Health Act at Neath Port Talbot Hospital 10 days before the attack because of “serious” aggression towards his parents. His mental health had deteriorated since 2018 and he had stopped taking his medication. He left the ward on the afternoon of March 12 this year when a nurse opened a secure door. He overtook, ran from the hospital and took a taxi to Clydach before walking to his parents’ house and carrying out the fatal attack. Harrison told police that his father had caused him “trauma” and had punched, kicked and stamped on him. The judge said: “It is clear that Mr Harrison has been suffering for approximately 15 years from paranoid schizophrenia. This led to the formation of misguided beliefs about his father. It resulted in significant impairment of his mental functioning as a result of severe mental illness. His persecutory delusions extended to a completely irrational concern for his mother’s safety.” He added: “Mr Harrison may well never be considered safe enough to return to live in the community.” A Swansea Bay University Health Board spokesman said: “It is important that a thorough review is carried out into the circumstances that led to Kim’s tragic death. We will continue to co-operate as closely as possible with the forensic investigation, which will now proceed following the conclusion of the criminal proceedings. “If Kim’s family would like to discuss any concerns they may have about Daniel’s care, we are of course very happy to meet with them.”
