AN uncle who stabbed two of his nephews and a third man to death has admitted to carrying out the killings.
Tom Saunders, 34, has remained in custody since his arrest, which followed the launch of a triple murder investigation in October 2019.
In the early hours of Sunday, October 6, brothers Danny Gibson, 35, and Jason Gibson, 31, were found dead at an address in Wellesley Road, Colchester.
Rik Booth, 35, was also found lifeless inside a nearby car.
All had been stabbed in the head and neck.
Saunders was arrested shortly afterwards on suspicion of the murder of all three men.
Police at investigation scene in Colchester in Wellesley Road
He is the uncle of the Gibson brothers and was known to Mr Booth but not related.
Saunders first appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on October 8, 2019, to face three charges of murder and a charge of possessing an offensive weapon.
A long delay followed as psychiatrists prepared reports on whether Saunders would be fit to enter pleas to the charges.
Read more:
- Colchester-based paratrooper took his own life in ‘impulsive act’, coroner rules
- Police report: Drug dealing and use were 'widespread' at under-threat pub
Saunders appeared over videolink at Ipswich Crown Court on Friday from Rampton high security hospital, where he remains remanded.
He denied murdering the three men, instead admitting three counts of manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility.
He admitted a charge of possessing a knife.
Police at investigation scene in Colchester in Wellesley Road..
The court previously heard all parties had “always agreed” with a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia.
The next hearing is due to take place at the same court on Monday, January 17.
Saunders, of Bounstead Road, Colchester, will remain remanded at the secure hospital until that date.
After their deaths, family members paid tribute to the three men.
The family of Danny and Jason Gibson said they were devastated.
They said: “The loss of our two boys will never be replaced.”
The family of Richard Booth, known as Rik, said: “We as a family would like to pay tribute to Rik Booth.
“He was a wonderful son, brother, father and friend.
“He would do anything for anyone and even though he didn’t have much, he would give you everything he had if you needed it.
“Words cannot express our devastation at this time.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article