Man given hospital order for the killing of his ex-partner
A man, Peter Pitt, has been given a hospital order for killing his estranged partner, Charlene Mills, in 2023. Pitt pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court. The victim was found strangled after Pitt sent a text message confessing to the crime. Charlene's family paid tribute to her, describing her as kind and strong-willed. Greater Manchester Police emphasized their commitment to tackling violence against women and urged victims of domestic abuse to seek help.
A Manchester man who strangled his estranged partner after sending a text message confessing to the killing has been handed a hospital order.
Peter Pitt, 54, of Hyde Road, Manchester, was sentenced on Friday (24 January 2025) at Manchester Crown Court after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of 43-year-old Charlene Mills.
The court heard how Pitt sent a text message on 30 September 2023 to a woman known to him, stating he had killed Charlene. The recipient and her partner rushed to the Hyde Road property where they discovered Charlene’s body. Police arrived shortly after and arrested Pitt on suspicion of murder, though officers were unable to revive Charlene despite performing CPR.
When officers first approached him, Pitt immediately told them: “I’ve killed her” and directed them to where Charlene’s body lay. A Home Office post-mortem examination confirmed she died from strangulation. Pitt claimed he believed he was being poisoned and that chemicals were being used against him.
Following Charlene’s death, her family paid tribute to their “beautiful inside and out” daughter and sister. “Charlene, or Char as we all knew her, was the most perfect daughter and big sister to Amber and Giselle. She loved being a mum and idolised her son Rydell and dog, Boxer,” a family spokesperson said. “The world just won’t be as fun without her, and our treasured memories of Char are the only little pieces of comfort we have.”
Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley, the senior investigating officer, said: “Charlene’s family have been deeply affected by this senseless killing, and our thoughts remain with them today as Pitt begins a hospital order. Charlene thought she had moved on from this relationship when a chance encounter led her back into the path of danger.”
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