A Hertfordshire man has been detained under the Mental Health Act after admitting the manslaughter of his mum and attempted murder of his dad.

Ashley Howse, 37, was sentenced today at Cambridge Crown Court after he pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter through diminished responsibility and one count of attempted murder.

Police made the shocking discovery when they were called to a property in Austin Mead, Bovingdon, just before 3.20pm on Saturday, December 11 2021.

Officers discovered 61-year-old Julia Howse unconscious and seriously injured. She was pronounced dead at the scene after suffering fatal stab wounds.

The attempted murder charge was in connection with an attack on his father during the same incident.

Ashley Howse, the son of Julia, pleaded guilty after detectives launched an investigation and he went through psychiatric assessment.

Detective Chief Inspector Sam Khanna, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit said: “A considerable amount of time has passed since the incident, but this does not make the loss of a loved one any easier. Our thoughts remain with Julia’s family at this very difficult time.

“I hope the result provides some closure and reassurance to them as they now move on with their lives.”

Howse was originally charged with his mum's murder, as well as the attempted murder of his father. However, following a psychiatric assessment earlier this year, he admitted manslaughter through diminished responsibility and attempted murder.

He was detained under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act Hospital Order with a Section 41 Mental Health Act Restrictions Order.