Highfields man admits killing his mother

A son who stabbed his mother to death at his Leicester home – and then fled the city – has pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Aaron Matthew, 19, was admitted killing Ingrid Matthew today (Monday 4 April) at Leicester Crown Court.

Shortly before 6pm on Saturday 11 September last year, Matthew’s father returned to his home address in Lincoln Street, Highfields, which he shared with his son, and found his former partner – Matthew’s mother – inside. She had been stabbed several times.

He told police he believed his son was responsible and a murder investigation, led by the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) was launched, supported by officers from Leicestershire Police who began searching for Matthew.

A forensic examination of blood found on the handle of a bedroom door was identified as Aaron Matthew’s.

The following morning, the force was informed by colleagues from Cambridgeshire Constabulary that Matthew had handed himself in at a police station on the outskirts of Peterborough. He was immediately arrested and brought back to Leicestershire.

He was charged with her murder and on Monday 28 March, a trial began.

However, during the trial experts giving evidence on behalf of both the prosecution and defence agreed that Matthew had been suffering from a previously undiagnosed recognised medical condition. At the time of the killing this had substantially impaired his ability to exercise self-control. As a result, he pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Detective Inspector Nicole Main, from EMSOU, was the senior investigating officer. She said: “The pain and heartbreak Matthew has caused to his own family is immeasurable and my thoughts and deepest condolences remain with all members of the family at this time.”

“Despite handing himself in, Matthew offered no explanation as to why he killed his own mother.

“Having admitted doing so in court, I can only hope he takes time to reflect on the severity of his actions that day and offers some explanation.”

Matthew will be sentenced at Leicester Crown Court on Tuesday 31 May.