Thomas Fisher, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility in Lewes Crown Court yesterday [Tuesday, October 2].
His 51-year-old mother was found deceased at their home in Lordswell Lane, Crowborough, on April 27. Police said Fiona, who worked at L’Occitane in Royal Victoria Place shopping centre, died from a single stab wound to the chest.
Mr Fisher was due to stand on Monday, accused of murder, in a trial process that could have taken several days.
However, the proceedings were postponed and the alternate plea was accepted.
According to media reports, the change was made after psychiatrists analysed a diary Fisher kept in the run-up to the killing.
Fisher also admitted fraud, using a Marks & Spencer Mastercard in Fiona’s name, and driving while disqualified.
He will return to Lewes Crown Court for sentencing on November 1, after another psychiatric report is completed.
Matthew Jewell QC, prosecuting, said: “This matter was due to be tried this week but a resolution has been reached.”
Proceedings took only ten minutes. Fisher, wearing a grey jumper and with a spikey haircut with blonde highlights, did not look at members of the family.
Fiona Fisher also had a daughter, 20-year-old Megan, and lived in a converted chapel in Crowborough – which some have valued at £1million.
Reports at the time said she had recently entered a new relationship after splitting from her 52-year-old husband, a former hedge fund sales director.
A statement released on the family’s behalf by police said: “Fiona will be sadly missed by her daughter Megan, her mother Dorothy and stepfather Les, as well as her father.
“There are no words to explain the love those around her felt for her, she is irreplaceable.”
L’Occitane said the company was ‘deeply saddened by the loss’.
