By Gavin Mackintosh-
An investigation has been launched after Philip Theophilou,(pictured) a convicted killer who absconded from a mental health facility in Homerton, London, was safely found and returned to custody.
The 54-year-old, who had been missing since Sunday, March 31, was located in the early hours of Thursday, April 4, after officers responded to a call at a hospital in south London.
The location of the hospital he was found has not been divulged.
Theophilou’s disappearance sparked concerns among authorities and the public, given his history of violence.
In 2004, he brutally murdered his 51-year-old neighbour, Simon Breed, in a knife attack outside their residence in Cornwall Avenue, Alexandra Park.
Theophilou diagnosed with schizophrenia, admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, leading to an indefinite detention at Broadmoor special hospital under the Mental Health Act in November 2005.
Broadmoor hospital said he was eventually discharged from their care in 2015, though it remains unclear why he was discharged and how he ended up in John Howard hospital until now.
The circumstances surrounding his escape, as well as the reasons for his presence at the hospital in south London, are under scrutiny as part of the ongoing investigation.
The John Howard hospital from which he escaped have been tight lipped as to the identity of the hospital the schizophrenic patient was found, or what he was doing there.
However, analysts suspect he was at the unnamed hospital to seek medication, or was protesting some perceived inadequacy at the hospital where he has been detained.
Theophilou’s return to custody provides an opportunity to reassess the protocols and procedures within mental health facilities to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The investigation into Theophilou’s escape aims to identify any lapses in security or oversight that may have contributed to his ability to leave the facility undetected.
There are suspicions he was discontent with services at the hospital
Theophilou’s case highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing the need for rehabilitation and treatment with the responsibility to protect the community from potential harm.
The investigation launched following his safe return will play a crucial role in understanding the circumstances surrounding his escape and implementing necessary reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The police said they are continuing to liaise with partner organisations regarding how he absconded.