Alternative therapist found guilty of manslaughter

A man who led an alternative therapies workshop in Seend has been found guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence of one of his attendees.

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

He will be sentenced at a later date.

Danielle, 71, died after attending Xiao’s ‘Paida Lajin’ workshop hosted at Cleeve House in Seend in October 2016.

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 – a self-professed Master in Paida Lajin – claimed to be 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.   

However, Danielle’s 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.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker of the Major Crime Investigation Team said: “Xiao 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. We know from Danielle’s family that she did not like having to regularly inject insulin and by attending this workshop she put her trust in someone else’s hands – she believed strongly in what Xiao was practising – he was both extremely convincing and confident in his beliefs. Xiao breached his position of trust and whilst in attendance at his workshop, Danielle’s health deteriorated quickly and she sadly passed away.

“This has been an extremely complex investigation with a high level of medical expertise sought before Xiao could be extradited and put before the courts. The passage of time, which has been out of our control, has added further challenges and complications to our investigation.

“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.”