Breaking: Indefinite Hospital Order for Mother Veronique John Who Killed Kids, Stabbed Partner

Hi and welcome to this JK B'HAM Crime Report for VPN: REGIONAL NETWORKS:

A jury at Nottingham Crown Court has today determined that Veronique John, 50, of Stoke-on-Trent, was responsible for the deaths of her two children, Ethan John, 11, and Elizabeth John, 7, as well as the stabbing of her partner, Nathan John.

The verdict comes after a trial-of-facts, a legal proceeding used when a defendant is deemed unfit to plead.

The incident occurred on 11 June 2023, with authorities first alerted to a stabbing at a car wash on Campbell Road, Stoke, where Nathan John was injured. He was treated and discharged the same day. Police then attended the home of Veronique John, where they discovered the unresponsive children at their home on Flax Street, who were pronounced dead at the scene despite medical efforts.

The charity shop worker told the officers, "If you have a gun, shoot me. I am not a monster - he was going to take them from me."

“I did it because I love my children – to protect the children. If there’s any possible way I could be put to death, I would like that. When I say that, I am not joking. I mean it 100%.”

Veronique John, who suffers from complex post-traumatic stress disorder, personality disorder and depressive disorders, was not present during the trial. The trial-of-facts differs from a regular criminal trial as it does not determine guilt but only whether the accused committed the acts. If John becomes fit to plead in the future, a full trial may be held.

The court heard that the children’s injuries were severe, with Elizabeth suffering a fractured skull and knife wounds, and Ethan sustaining over 20 sharp force injuries. Judge Mr. Justice Choudhury described the attacks as "frenzied and heinous," suggesting they were motivated by John's fear of her husband taking the children away.

John, communicating via video-link from Rampton high-security hospital, was told she would be subject to an indefinite hospital order with special restrictions to protect the public. This means she may never be released.

Detective Chief Inspector Cheryl Hannan highlighted the profound impact on the local community and expressed condolences to the family and friends of Ethan and Elizabeth. Nathan John, in a victim impact statement, conveyed his devastation at the loss of his children, describing the ordeal as turning his world upside down.

Veronique John remains in a secure hospital, with ongoing considerations for public safety and her mental health treatment.

Detective Chief Inspector Cheryl Hannan, from West Midlands Police Major Investigations Department, said: “This case was distressing for all involved, it was traumatic for the local community and has left so many people devastated by what happened.

“It’s not lost on me nor any of the officers that were involved in this investigation the lasting effect it will have on the many people that knew Ethan and Elizabeth, and the fond memories they have of them.

“My thoughts remain with their father, family and friends at such a tragic time both here and in other parts of the world.

“I’d also like to thank everyone from the local community who pulled together in such desperate times to help us investigate what happened and to provide as much support as possible for those affected.”

Well, that’s all for now. But until our next article, please stay tuned, stay informed, but most of all stay safe, and I’ll see you then.

Jason King

Birmingham City-Desk

Twitter (X) @JasonKingNews

Jasonkingnews@gmail.com