A British pensioner living in a French town was killed by her neighbour after asking to obtain some sellotape, a regional court has actually heard.
Susan Higginbotham, 67, was discovered strangled to death at her home in the rural town Esclottes, in the southwest of France, in September 2021.
Neighbour Hichame Bahloul, 42, was sentenced to 32 years in jail after the court discovered he had actually killed the pensioner in order to be put behind bars and avoid his household.
The murder, the The Lot- et-Garonne assize court heard, happened after the lady approached her neighbour to request some sellotape.
Bahloul admitted to strangling her with a piece of “cord”, before kicking her and punching her in the head.
While the 2 were stated to be on courteous speaking terms, the court heard that the guy had a history of serious mental disorder, consisting of schizophrenia and other psychotic conditions.
Previously, Bahloul hung out in psychiatric care, where he utilized violence on personnel and fellow clients, leading the prosecution to conclude that he“took pleasure in it”
“Is this a crime of interest? Of substitution? Of opportunity?” the district attorney asked.
“The need to attack others has been part of his life for years. He attacked many people during his various hospitalisations: patients or nursing staff,” they continued.
At the time of the murder, nevertheless, Bahloul coped with his moms and dads inEsclottes He chose to devote the dreadful criminal offense in order to leave his household scenario.
Bahloul’s attorney stated: “I have a client who feels safe in prison and wants to stay there. He struggles with freedom.”
This led the prosecution to promote a life sentence, after the guy threatened to devote comparable acts if he were ever to be released once again.
One of Ms Higginbotham’s good friend who affirmed in court explained Susan as “a very pleasant person” who “ took care of people a lot and was very open.”
The good friend stated: “She had actually had an effective profession, as a monetary director, then as a business agent; she had actually worked really hard.
“She actually wished to enjoy in France when she relocated 2016, and I believe she was.
“She was living her dream. She was funny. I miss her a lot.”
Get in touch with our news group by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, inspect our news page
MORE: Serial killer appeared on television test program while concealing from authorities in plain sight.
MORE: Dad battered paedophile who flashed his child on bus toDisneyland
MORE: American guy raped traveler near ‘Cinderella’ castle before pressing her down gorge.
Get your need-to-know.
most current news, feel-good stories, analysis and more
This website is secured by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service use.
