THE mother of a Winchester man stabbed to death in his own home says she is counting the days to when his killer will face justice.

Carl Scott was killed in his Thurmond Crescent home in Stanmore in 2017 by David Gray.

Gray hit Mr Scott on the head with an ornamental axe. However, his case has never had a full court hearing because he was ruled unfit to plead.

He received a hospital order for an indeterminate period.

At Winchester Crown Court in 2019 the judge ruled that Gray be sectioned under the Mental Health Act. But at a hearing Gray was confirmed by the court as the killer.

The court ruled that should his mental health improve he will be returned to the criminal justice system and stand trial for murder.

Now it is understood that Gray is recovering and this, according to the victim’s mother Molly Child, means he could be tried.

Ms Child, formerly of Chatham Road, Stanmore, now living in Bournemouth, says she has learned Gray is being allowed out under supervision from his hospital.

She told the Chronicle: "This is not over for me and never will be.

“Gray is getting escorted leave so he must be getting better which must mean he will soon be rehabilitated. If he reaches the stage of rehabilitation, he will be released but I have been assured he will be arrested and charged with murder and if he is found guilty he will not be out for a very long time.

"If they charge him with manslaughter he will get approximately 15 years and with good behaviour he will get out in seven years and six months.

“Nothing changes for me and my family but for society having Gray on their streets is a scary thought. For those who say 'he is well now' let him live in their street. I hate the thought of Gray being free.

"I cannot say just yet about the investigation of Gray's care during the years he was being treated with mental health but it has opened my eyes.

“Many families suffer losing a loved one to murder by a person with mental health issues and we all say we only hope it never happens again, unfortunately it does.

"I'm in contact with Julian Hendy who has set up a charity who challenges the NHS Mental Health who seem to keep information away from us all but with his help more clarity is offered. His website is hundredfamilies.org.

"Victim Support is also another charity who have been amazing helping us through this ongoing nightmare."

The Ministry of Justice said as Gray is being detained in a hospital they cannot comment. The Department of Health and Social Care did not respond to a request for comment from the Chronicle.