A mother has admitted killing her 12-year-old autistic son by forcing him to drink bleach at their home in Barking, east London. Satpal Kaur-Singh, 44, pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility at the Old Bailey, having denied murder.
The court heard that Ajit Singh-Mahal was found dead at the family home in February. Kaur-Singh killed her son hours after refusing to co-operate with social workers at a meeting to review his care. Prosecuting barrister Richard Whittam QC described the case as 'a great tragedy'.
Social workers from Barking and Dagenham Council had raised concerns about Kaur-Singh's parenting skills and lack of co-operation in the months before the killing. Ajit was dependent on his mother for all needs, could not speak, and had difficulty getting around outdoors.
On the evening of 9 February, Kaur-Singh made Ajit drink a cup of bleach before consuming some herself an hour later. She then called 999, saying: 'I've just murdered my son and I've tried to kill myself.' Officers arriving at the scene found an 'overpowering' smell of bleach and Ajit lying on the sofa, with Kaur-Singh on the floor holding a phone.
A suicide note found at the home stated she had been 'scrutinised and hounded by social services'. Kaur-Singh later told police she heard voices in her head saying: 'You have to do it. Go for it, it's come to an end now.' A post-mortem examination confirmed Ajit died from ingesting a caustic liquid, with multiple organ failure.
The case has been adjourned for psychiatric reports, with sentencing scheduled for 13 December. A serious case review will be conducted by Barking and Dagenham Council.
