Healer jailed after diabetic woman died when she stopped insulin
An alternative healer has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for the manslaughter of a 71-year-old diabetic woman who passed away at his slapping therapy workshop. The tragic incident took place at Cleeve House in Seend, Wiltshire, in October 2016 during a Paida Lajin therapy event, where patients engage in repetitive slapping actions. Hongchi Xiao, residing in Cloudbreak, California, was found guilty of manslaughter through gross negligence by a jury at Winchester Crown Court in July. This came after he neglected to seek medical assistance for Mrs. Danielle Carr-Gomm from Lewes, East Sussex. In addition to his prison term, Xiao was also given a further five years on extended licence post-release.
The 61-year-old practitioner was extradited from Australia to stand trial, having been previously involved in a case where a six-year-old boy died after his parents halted his insulin intake following one of Xiao’s workshops in Sydney. During the trial, it was revealed that Mrs. Carr-Gomm, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1999, experienced extreme pain and physical distress, including frothing at the mouth, before her untimely death on the fourth day of the workshop. The court heard that Xiao was aware she had stopped taking her insulin but failed to take adequate action, showing minimal remorse even while continuing to promote Paida Lajin within the prison walls.
The presiding judge, Mr. Justice Bright, remarked during the sentencing that Xiao was informed of Mrs. Carr-Gomm’s decision to cease insulin use early on but did not react appropriately. The victim had chosen to explore alternatives due to her beliefs as a vegetarian and aversion to needles, providing a testimonial endorsing Xiao as a divine conduit for revolutionizing healthcare practices. Despite experiencing health complications at a previous workshop in Bulgaria, Mrs. Carr-Gomm still opted to join Xiao’s event in Wiltshire, where her condition deteriorated rapidly.
Witness testimonies revealed how Mrs. Carr-Gomm’s health declined significantly over the workshop’s duration, with participants misinterpreting her worsening state as part of a healing process. Teresa Hayes, a chef present at the workshop, expressed a desire to seek medical help, but other attendees deferred to Xiao’s teachings instead. The prosecution highlighted Xiao’s prolonged advocacy for Paida Lajin, a method touted as a self-healing technique involving bodily patting and slapping to expel toxins, despite his lack of medical qualifications.
Post-trial, Mrs. Carr-Gomm’s son, Matthew Carr-Gomm, based in New Zealand, reflected on his mother’s pursuit of alternative diabetes treatments and her passion for holistic healthcare. He described her as resilient and dedicated to exploring unconventional paths towards healing, emphasizing her zest for life amidst global travels and personal fulfillment. Despite the tragic outcome, the Crown Prosecution Service underscored Xiao’s direct contribution to Mrs. Carr-Gomm’s passing, emphasizing his duty of care and accountability as the workshop’s facilitator.
In light of this poignant case, the legal proceedings served as a cautionary tale highlighting the importance of seeking professional medical advice and adhering to prescribed treatments, especially concerning serious health conditions like diabetes. The incident underscores the risks associated with unverified alternative therapies and the critical need for individuals to make informed healthcare decisions under qualified medical guidance. May this sad event prompt greater awareness and vigilance regarding unconventional healing practices, advocating for responsible healthcare choices to safeguard individual well-being and prevent such tragedies in the future.