Findings were published today of an independent investigation into the healthcare and treatment of Ronald Dixon.

On 19 May 2006, Ronald Dixon killed Ashleigh Ewing when she attended his home in Heaton, Newcastle for a support visit, in the course of her work for the charity Mental Health Matters.

On 22 October 2007 at Newcastle Crown Court, Ronald Dixon pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility and was ordered to be detained indefinitely in a secure psychiatric unit.

At the time of the offence, Ronald Dixon was receiving care from Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, provider of mental health services.

Following completion of legal proceedings, North East Strategic Health Authority commissioned an independent investigation to look at the healthcare and treatment provided to Ronald Dixon, to see if there were lessons to be learned by local mental health services.

Follow the links to read a copy of the final investigation report (document is available on our archived website) and the accompanying press release (document is available on our archived website).