Alternative healer jailed over woman's death

A man has been jailed for 10 years after he was found guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence over the death of a diabetic woman who stopped taking insulin at his alternative therapy workshop.

Hongxhi Xiao, 61, of Cloudbreak, California, was found guilty of the manslaughter of 71-year-old Danielle Carr-Gomm following a four-week trial at Winchester Crown Court earlier this year.

Appearing before Winchester Crown Court today (06/12) Xiao was sentenced to 10 years in prison, plus a five-year extended licence period.            

He led an alternative therapies workshop in Cleeve House, Seend, in October 2016, where the attendees, including 71-year-old Danielle, took part in ‘Paida Lajin’ - an ancient Chinese method for self-healing, which involves slapping and stretching techniques combined with other activities.

Xiao had no medical qualifications or experience but promoted Paida Lajin as an effective cure for many conditions including diabetes. Danielle was a type 1 diabetic and had stopped taking her insulin at the workshop whilst taking part in a three day fast, organised by Xiao.

However, her health deteriorated whilst in the care of Xiao and she was found dead in her room in the early hours of October 20, 2016. A major investigation was launched by officers and Xiao was arrested the following morning.

Further tests were subsequently carried out and Danielle was found to have died as a result of diabetic ketoacidosis which develops after a person with type 1 diabetes stops their insulin treatment.

Sentencing, Mr Justice Bright KC said: “You failed to summon emergency medical care when you of all people knew she was likely to die without insulin."

He added that Mrs Carr-Gomm’s death “was a tragedy for her and all who loved her.”

Speaking outside the court, Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker of the Major Crime Investigation Team said: “This has been an extremely complex investigation, with nearly eight years having passed since Danielle’s sad death.

This passage of time, which has been out of our control, has of course added further challenges and complications to the investigation, but I am pleased that a custodial sentence has now been given to Xiao.

He had no medical qualifications yet despite this, was actively encouraging those in attendance at his workshops to refrain from taking their regular medication, knowing full well the consequences.

“Xiao’s not guilty plea has only shown the little remorse he has over Danielle’s death and has made an already extremely difficult and upsetting process for Danielle’s family even more prolonged and distressing.

“Danielle was a mother and a grandmother who enjoyed life and had a love of travelling – her death came as a huge shock to her family and friends and our thoughts are very much with them at this time.”