Camden New Journal - by DAVID ST GEORGE Published: 15 November 2007
Double-stabbing killer under care of Broadmoor doctors
A DERANGED killer who knifed two pub customers without saying a word is being assessed by a team of leading psychiatrists.
Jurors at the Old Bailey trial of Cecil Walcott heard that the chronic schizophrenic is under the care of doctors at Broadmoor maximum security hospital.
The jobless 52-year-old was cleared of murder but convicted of the manslaughter of drinker Gerry Fairall, on the grounds of diminished responsibility under the Mental Health Act. Mr Fairall, 53, died after being stabbed in the heart at his local, the Red Lion – now the Westbury pub – in Kilburn High Road on November 11 last year.
His drinking companion, Simon Watkins, 44, who had gone to challenge Walcott in the street after the initial stabbing, staggered into the bar badly wounded, prosecutor Jeremy Donne, QC told the court.
Walcott, of Godwin House, Tollgate Gardens, Kilburn, was also convicted of attempting to murder Mr Watkins. Walcott had a history of mental health problems and “heard voices” which controlled his behaviour.
The jury was told that he believed he was being persecuted.