Family Expresses Concern for Mother’s Mental Health in Court Case

The family of Carla Lovejoy, a woman currently on trial for allegedly attempting to kill her severely disabled daughter, has expressed deep concerns regarding her mental health. During proceedings at Canterbury Crown Court, her partner, Bernard Broadley, and her son-in-law, Grant Roberts, described the 53-year-old as “paranoid, vacant, anxious, and not her normal self” leading up to the incident on March 20, 2023.

On that day, Lovejoy allegedly stabbed her 28-year-old daughter, Isabella Lovejoy, multiple times, inflicting 14 knife wounds to her abdomen and two to her chest. The severity of the injuries necessitated immediate medical attention, with the court hearing that without the prompt actions of emergency responders and the medical staff at King’s College Hospital, Isabella could have died.

As Lovejoy faces charges of attempted murder and wounding with intent, her family members have reported that they never doubted her ability to care for her daughter despite her declining mental health. Throughout the trial, it has been revealed that Lovejoy does not dispute the fact that she caused her daughter’s injuries, but she denies the charges on the grounds of insanity. Experts have since diagnosed her with a recurrent depressive disorder, indicating that she likely experienced psychotic symptoms during the incident.

Broadley, who has known Lovejoy for several years, described her as a “very loving” mother who “wouldn’t hurt a fly.” He recounted their relationship, which began when he met her while she was working at a care home. The couple’s bond deepened over the past seven years, during which Lovejoy raised her two daughters alone after their father left when Isabella was very young.

The court heard that Isabella has Rett syndrome, a neurological disorder that severely limits her physical capabilities and communication. She requires constant care, and her mother had been her primary caregiver. Professional assistance for Isabella had been minimal, with only a few days of respite care offered between June and November 2019 and again in March 2020. In May 2022, Lovejoy sought more long-term care options for her daughter, but those discussions did not progress before the attack.

Just a week before the stabbing, Lovejoy had been contacted about a potential move for Isabella to a residential facility, but there was no follow-up on that suggestion. Broadley noted that while they did not live together, he frequently stayed at Lovejoy’s home, and she provided constant care for Isabella.

Despite her dedication, Lovejoy was reportedly suffering from paranoid thoughts and delusional beliefs for several months. Broadley testified that she believed she was being stalked and thought her neighbours were involved in criminal activities. In an effort to soothe her fears, he encouraged her to seek professional help, but she resisted.

Lovejoy also faced additional stressors, including a fine from Kent County Council for not obtaining proper planning permission for property modifications intended to improve access for her daughter. This situation aggravated her stress, leading to a brief halt in taking Isabella on regular swimming trips and the cancellation of a pre-arranged family holiday.

In the days leading up to the stabbing, Broadley observed a marked change in Lovejoy’s behaviour. On the morning of the incident, he noted that she appeared “very angry” and distant, a stark contrast to her usual demeanor. Upon returning to her home later that evening, Broadley found Lovejoy barricading the door and exhibiting frantic behaviour. She communicated threats about her safety and expressed fears that others were trying to harm her.

As Broadley sought assistance, he realized the urgency of the situation and attempted to contact mental health services, but his calls were not answered. In a desperate bid to help, he and Roberts rushed to Lovejoy’s home, only to discover a chaotic scene marked by signs of violence and distress.

Upon entering, they found Isabella severely injured and Lovejoy in possession of a knife, leading to a frantic call for police assistance. Broadley performed first aid on Isabella while emergency services responded. The trial continues as the court examines the complexities of Lovejoy’s mental health struggles and the circumstances surrounding the incident.