A man has been labeled the “scum of the earth” after strangling his ex-partner to death when he believed she was trying to poison him.
Charlene Mills, 43, described as being “smitten” with Peter Pitt, had hoped to rekindle their turbulent relationship. However, during a night spent together, Pitt killed her in a delusional state.
Manchester Crown Court heard that Pitt, 52, who suffers from schizophrenia, believed Charlene was trying to poison him. The court was told his condition had been worsened by his use of illegal drugs.
On the morning Charlene’s body was discovered at Pitt’s home in Gorton, he texted his ex-wife, confessing to the killing, reports Manchester Evening News. When confronted, he admitted to having strangled Charlene “with his bare hands.”
Charlene’s devastated family attended the hearing as Pitt appeared via video link from a psychiatric hospital. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, a charge accepted by prosecutors after medical experts agreed that his mental condition provided a partial defense to murder.
Charlene’s family claimed that Pitt exploited her financially to fund his drug addiction, with Charlene even collecting drugs for him. In a powerful statement, Charlene’s mother, Delphine Mills, expressed her heartbreak: “Peter has taken one of the most precious things away from me. Charlene was my firstborn. What that man has done to me and my family is beyond words.”
Delphine described how she initially gave Pitt the benefit of the doubt, despite catching him using heroin in their home. She recalled his abusive behavior toward Charlene, saying he called her degrading names and manipulated her into supporting his addiction.
Amber Thompson, Charlene’s sister, also confronted Pitt, accusing him of “playing the system” and branding him “the scum of the earth.” She said: “All she did was love you.”
Prosecutor Barbara Webster recounted the events leading up to the killing. Charlene had been in an on-and-off relationship with Pitt for years but had been living apart from him. On the night of September 30, 2023, Charlene went to Pitt’s home, seemingly in good spirits, hoping to reconcile. She was last seen alive entering his house around 1.21am. By 10am, Pitt had texted his ex-wife, admitting to the crime.
When his ex-wife and her husband arrived at the scene, Pitt told them: “It’s over now. It’s finished. The kids are safe.” He confessed to strangling Charlene and directed them to the bedroom, where they found her lifeless body. Police arrested Pitt shortly afterward. When cautioned, he said, “I kept on getting poisoned, me and my family. What would you do?”
Pitt, who has a history of mental health issues and 39 prior convictions for theft-related offenses, had exhibited troubling behavior before the killing. He had blocked air vents in his home, reported fears of being poisoned, and even visited a police station with a crossbow, asking to be imprisoned.
Defending Pitt, Nick Johnson KC described his schizophrenia as “chronic” and noted that his delusional beliefs persisted even during periods of sobriety and medication adherence. Three days before the killing, Pitt reportedly contacted authorities, warning he was at risk of harming himself or others.
Sentencing has been adjourned until January 24, when psychiatrists will present further evidence. Pitt is expected to be sentenced under the Mental Health Act and detained in a secure hospital for treatment.
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