Hongchi Xiao, 61, Jailed for 10 Years for Negligent Manslaughter of Patient Who Died at His Alternative Therapy Workshop
A 61-year-old self-proclaimed healer has been jailed for 10 years for gross negligence manslaughter after his patient, a 71-year-old woman with diabetes, died during a slapping therapy workshop in 2016. Hongchi Xiao, who ran “Paida Lajin” therapy events in the UK and Australia, claimed that his therapy could expel “poisonous waste” from the body by slapping certain parts.
Danielle Carr-Gomm, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1999, attended the week-long workshop in Wiltshire, England, seeking alternative treatment due to her fear of needles and vegetarianism. Despite having stopped taking her insulin medication, Xiao made no attempt to get medical help, even when Carr-Gomm became severely ill and stopped responding to questions.
At the trial, it emerged that Xiao had been aware of the risks of halting insulin medication and had previously written that doctors were “brainwashed” by pharmaceutical companies. Prosecutors also highlighted Xiao’s previous conviction in Australia in 2015, following the death of a six-year-old boy whose parents stopped his insulin medication after attending one of Xiao’s workshops.
Passing sentence, Mr Justice Bright said Xiao had made a “token effort” to get Carr-Gomm to take her insulin, but it was too little, too late. The judge also praised Carr-Gomm’s son, Matthew, for calling for stricter regulations on unqualified therapists and alternative practitioners.
The investigation, which has taken nearly eight years to complete, has been hampered by delays and complex evidence. Wiltshire Police detective Phil Walker acknowledged the challenges but welcomed Xiao’s 10-year jail sentence and extended licence period.
Carr-Gomm’s family described her as a loving mother and grandmother who enjoyed life and had a love of travel. They expressed their sadness and regret that her death was due to Xiao’s negligence, which has been described as a “calculated risk” by experts.
