A mother who killed her six-year-old son during a severe psychotic episode has been detained indefinitely under the Mental Health Act.
Karolina Zurawska, 42, from Swansea, was found beside the body of her son, Alexander, with a handsaw in their home on Cwm Du Close in Gendros last August. The young boy, who had bravely battled a brain tumour, died at the scene.
Zurawska admitted to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility and also pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of her father, Krzysztof Siwi, on the same day. She denied the charge of murder, which was accepted by the prosecution after three psychiatric experts confirmed she had been suffering from a psychotic illness.
Judge Describes Tragedy as “Unimaginable”
During sentencing at Swansea Crown Court, Judge Paul Thomas KC issued a hospital order with no time limit.
He said: “The often-overused word ‘tragic’ does not begin to reflect the awfulness of what happened that day to Alex.”
He described Zurawska as a previously loving and devoted mother who had given her all to care for Alexander, especially following his diagnosis with a brain tumour that left him partially sighted and dependent on a cane.
“Your relationship with Alexander was a warm and loving one on both sides. You adored each other, and he trusted you.” “You are not a wicked mother, far from it.”
The court heard how Zurawska had suddenly changed behaviour that day. Her father recalled her acting “strange” and withdrawn. She then unexpectedly attacked him three times, including one incident where she told him she needed to kill him.
Following these attacks, Mr Siwi attempted to get help and remove Alexander from the home. However, Zurawska insisted the child stay with her.
Unbeknownst to the family, the situation escalated. Concerned neighbours, alarmed by screams, alerted the police. Officers arrived to discover Alexander’s body next to his mother and a handsaw.
Psychiatrists later confirmed Zurawska was in a deep psychotic state, plagued by delusions and auditory hallucinations.
“You were suffering from the delusion of hearing voices, you believed that you were being instructed by a demonic force,” said Judge Thomas.
He concluded she posed a significant risk to herself and others and required long-term psychiatric care, not punishment.
Family’s Devastating Loss
Alexander’s family, in a statement released by South Wales Police, painted a picture of a bright, thoughtful child.
“Alexander was always well-behaved and never naughty. He was very clever and very mature for his age… Alexander spoke both English and Polish and would often correct his parents with their English if they got words wrong. He was amazing.”
Judge Thomas acknowledged the boy’s resilience despite his medical challenges and paid tribute to his short but impactful life. “It was a life filled with love. I know that those that knew him well will never forget him, nor ever stop loving him.”
This heartbreaking case underscores the devastating impact of untreated or undetected mental illness, even within the most devoted of families.
Karolina Zurawska, once seen as the pillar of her son’s care, is now under indefinite treatment in a secure hospital facility, while those who loved Alexander must live with the unbearable loss of a young life cut tragically short.
