In a harrowing turn of events, lung expert Dr. Kim Harrison, 68, met a tragic end after being brutally attacked by his own son, Daniel Harrison, 38.
The assault occurred following Daniel’s escape from a psychiatric hospital, where he had been sectioned under the mental health act.
The incident unfolded at the family’s home in Clydach, Swansea, in March 2022, as Daniel unleashed a violent onslaught on his retired father.
Escape and Assault: A Chilling Sequence of Events
Daniel’s escape from Neath Port Talbot Hospital, a psychiatric facility, led to a distressing series of events. Fleeing from health workers, he covered 12 miles to reach his parents’ residence at Coniston Hall.
The attack on Dr. Kim Harrison involved punching, kicking, stamping, and beating with a broom handle. Despite prior warnings about Daniel’s escape and potential danger, the assault transpired, resulting in Dr. Harrison’s tragic demise.
Remote Inquest Appearance: Daniel’s Poetic Tribute
During the subsequent inquest into his father’s death, Daniel attended remotely from his secure hospital. Contrary to the violent episode, he chose to read a poignant poem and tribute to his father.
The emotional verses expressed remorse, love, and the weight of the family’s loss. In one part of the poem, Daniel conveyed, “I wish you were here by my side for you to help guide me through life with arms open wide.” The poem concluded with the signature, “from your ever-loving son, Dan.”
Legal Proceedings and Mental Health Struggles
Following the fatal incident, Daniel was arrested in London and later sentenced for manslaughter by diminished responsibility. He admitted to feeling manipulated by his parents and cited trauma caused by his father.
Doctors diagnosed Daniel with paranoid schizophrenia and noted an ‘abnormality of mind.’ The inquest, held at Swansea Guildhall, aims to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Dr. Kim Harrison’s tragic death.
Mother’s Testimony: A Life Well-Lived and Ongoing Journey
Dr. Jane Harrison, Dr. Kim Harrison’s wife, provided a heartfelt testimony at the inquest. Describing the challenge of encapsulating a life well-lived, she emphasized the profound impact of the loss on their family, friends, and colleagues.
Acknowledging Daniel’s struggles and recovery, she expressed pride in his strength and love for his father. Dr. Jane Harrison concluded by saying, “Dad would be so proud of you, Dan, we love you very much.”
The inquest, expected to last two and a half weeks, delves into the complexities surrounding Dr. Kim Harrison’s death, exploring the tragic intersection of mental health struggles and familial tragedy.
