Hongchi Xiao, a therapist convicted in the death of a patient who stopped her insulin treatment during a workshop, has had his conviction upheld by an appellate court. However, the court noted that Xiao, a U.S. national, was returned to his native country and may no longer be in custody.
The ruling stated that while the trial judge made some misdirections regarding a waiver presented by Xiao, these did not render the trial unfair or the verdict unsafe. The court found that a legally correct direction would have been more disadvantageous to Xiao, as it would have clarified that he was relying on a waiver with no legal effect.
During a Paida Lajin, or "slap and stretch," workshop in October 2016, the victim, identified as Ms. Carr-Gomm, experienced severe pain and illness. She died on the fourth day of the workshop. Jurors were informed that Carr-Gomm, who had been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1999, had sought alternatives to her insulin medication due to vegetarianism and a fear of needles. She had previously attended a similar workshop in Bulgaria where she also stopped her insulin and became ill, but recovered.
Evidence presented at trial indicated Carr-Gomm had provided a testimonial for Xiao, describing him as a "messenger sent by God" and instrumental in a movement to empower self-healing and reform healthcare. Xiao reportedly told participants, including Carr-Gomm, "well done" after she announced she had ceased taking her insulin at the Wiltshire retreat, an action that preceded her serious illness and subsequent death. The trial took place at Winchester Crown Court.