Man labelled as the “scum of the earth” has admitted to strangling his ex-partner, Charlene Mills, to death in a chilling text message. The tragic incident occurred during a night spent together when Peter Pitt, 52, who suffers from schizophrenia, believed that Charlene was trying to poison him. Pitt’s delusional state worsened by his use of illegal drugs led him to commit the heinous act. He confessed to the killing via text to his ex-wife, stating he strangled Charlene “with his bare hands.” Pitt pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility at Manchester Crown Court, with the charge accepted by prosecutors based on his mental condition.
Charlene’s devastated family attended the hearing, where her mother, Delphine Mills, expressed her heartbreak over losing her firstborn. She accused Pitt of exploiting Charlene financially to fund his drug addiction, even going as far as collecting drugs for him. Charlene’s sister, Amber Thompson, confronted Pitt during the hearing, labelling him “the scum of the earth” and highlighting Charlene’s love for him. Pitt’s troubling behaviour before the killing, such as blocking air vents in his home and expressing fears of being poisoned, paints a grim picture of his mental state leading up to the tragedy.
The court heard that Charlene, smitten with Pitt, had hoped to reconcile their turbulent relationship on the night she was killed. Pitt’s chronic schizophrenia and delusional beliefs persisted despite periods of sobriety and adherence to medication. Three days prior to the killing, he had contacted authorities, expressing a risk of harming himself or others. Sentencing has been adjourned to allow for further psychiatric evidence before determining Pitt’s fate. He is expected to be sentenced under the Mental Health Act, likely leading to detention in a secure hospital for treatment.
The harrowing case of Charlene Mills and Peter Pitt serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of mental health disorders when left untreated. It raises questions about the support systems in place for individuals grappling with severe mental illnesses and the need for early intervention to prevent such tragic outcomes. Charlene’s family’s poignant statements underscore the deep impact of the loss caused by Pitt’s actions and highlight the importance of addressing mental health challenges within society to prevent similar tragedies in the future.