Woman who killed her mother in Herefordshire and fled hospital found by police
Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed they have located Laura Van Marle
Last updated 14th Aug 2023
Avon and Somerset Police have found a woman who ran away from a secure hospital where she was detained.
Laura Van Marle went missing from the facility in Wellington, Somerset on Friday (11th August).
She has been detained at the secure site in Wellington since 2021, after she killed her mother in Cradley, Herefordshire.
She was originally charged the with the murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
According to police, she went missing after threatening a member of hospital staff with a weapon while on escorted leave at about 5.10pm.
The staff member was not injured.
A police statement said: "We are pleased to confirm that Laura Van Marle has been located following an earlier public appeal to find her.
“She was detained by Avon and Somerset Police officers this morning, Sat 12 Aug.
“We'd like to thank everyone who contacted us with info or shared our appeal.”
She is said to have suffered from severe mental health issues since 2010, which doctors believed to be schizophrenia.