Care home resident with dementia found guilty of stabbing fellow resident

A care home resident with dementia, aged 79, has been found guilty of attempted murder by repeatedly stabbing a 90-year-old female resident, in the face with a table knife, as she lay in bed.

Dennis Latter, was found guilty at Maidstone Crown Court.

He began the attack on Betty Wood on 30 December at Kingsfield Care Home in Faversham, Kent, and only stopped when care workers restrained him.

Latter had only been living at the care home for a month and Betty Wood had lived there for five years. The two residents had rooms opposite each other at the home.

Ms Wood was treated for her injuries at William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, Kent.

The court heard that when Latter was charged with attempted murder and wounding with intent he asked who Betty Wood was and said he thought he had “injured Mr Anonymous”.

Latter was declared not fit to enter a plea and stand trial.

Sentencing has been adjourned until 17 November to allow time for a psychiatric assessment to be carried out to decide whether a hospital order under the Mental Health Act should be made with or without restriction of time.