THE death of a teenager who was due to stand trial for murdering his own mother has resulted in a “double tragedy”.

Rowan Thompson was due to appear in court on Wednesday accused of killing Joanna Thompson at their home in Hambledon.

But this week it was revealed the 18-year-old had died on Saturday while being detained at a secure mental health facility.

Today (Friday) a short hearing at Winchester Crown Court heard that the private school pupil’s death is currently “unascertained”.

Prosecutor Kerry Maylin said: "Rowan died unfortunately on October 3, the trial had been due to start on Wednesday of this week but, of course, this will now not proceed.

"This is a double tragedy with Mrs Thompson having died on July 1 2019 at the hands of Rowan, which was accepted by him by way of his guilty plea to manslaughter."

Thompson had previously pleaded guilty to the manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsiblity of Mrs Thompson, but denied murder.

Detective Sergeant Gary Cable, of Hampshire Police, told the hearing that Thompson was under 15-minute observations at the secure unit and staff noticed he had not moved in his bed, at 12.30pm on October 3, and attempted CPR.

He was taken to North Manchester General Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 2.20pm, Mr Cable said.

He added that the results of the toxicology tests were expected in 21 days and an inquest would be opened into Thompson's death.

The judge, Mr Justice Garnham, ordered for the file be closed on the murder charge.

A post-mortem examination showed Mrs Thompson, 50, died as a result of neck injuries, according to police.

Thompson was initially detained under Section 2 of the Mental Health Act following his mother's death.