A judge has condemned calls to decriminalize cannabis, stating that the drug contributed to the severe mental health issues of a man who fatally attacked his mother. The judge's remarks came during the sentencing of Simon Carter, 50, who was ordered to be detained in a secure psychiatric unit after admitting to the manslaughter of his mother, Gwyneth Carter, 73, on grounds of diminished responsibility.

Judge Steven Everett described cannabis as a "terrible" substance that "caused and exacerbated" mental health problems. He specifically criticized politicians advocating for decriminalization, including Labour mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, and Green Party's Zack Polanski, calling their campaigns "wholly misconceived."

Carter traveled 245 miles from his rented room in Devon to his mother's home in Macclesfield, Cheshire, on July 16, 2025, where he assaulted her with such force that he broke his own hand. Just two days prior, Carter had admitted himself to a hospital, reporting a history of cannabis abuse and claiming he had been attacked and forcibly injected with heroin. However, he was discharged as medical professionals found no sufficient reason to detain him.

He has since been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and delusional beliefs. During his sentencing at Chester Crown Court, Judge Everett noted that Carter's case was not the first where a defendant attributed their mental health issues to cannabis use. The judge stated there was substantial evidence indicating that cannabis use can lead to and worsen mental health conditions.

Carter had been estranged from his parents since 2006 and was unaware his father had passed away. He arrived at his mother's home on July 12, 2025, on the pretext of visiting his children. His mother contacted her sister, Janis, to report his unexpected arrival, noting that Carter was acting strangely and did not seem like himself. She also mentioned he did not appear concerned upon learning of his father's death.

Following his discharge from a health facility on July 13, where he spoke of his experiences in Torquay, Carter was seen outside his mother's house on July 16 carrying a rucksack containing a saw. A neighbor reported hearing a commotion, including loud banging, shouting, and Mrs. Carter pleading "No," followed by sounds suggestive of a heavy suitcase being dragged. Her body was discovered two days later by her sister, who had been unable to contact her.

An autopsy revealed that Gwyneth Carter died from multiple head and neck injuries. While police investigated, Simon Carter presented himself at Macclesfield Hospital's A&E department with a broken hand, telling a nurse he had "punched something." He was subsequently arrested.

In a victim personal statement, Janis Slater expressed the profound loss of her sister, recalling their shared activities and Gwyneth's renewed sense of purpose after their father's death. Slater also conveyed her concerns about Simon's presence and her regret at not being able to intervene sooner.

During the proceedings, Carter's defense counsel, Owen Edwards KC, acknowledged his client's history of drug use and significant mental health challenges, noting his fixed beliefs about past events.