A killer has been branded the 'scum of the earth’ after strangling his ex-partner to death. Charlene Mills, aged 43, was in a turbulent relationship with Peter Pitt, 52, who was told in court how she wanted to rekindle their romance.

On the night they spent together, Pitt killed Charlene in his home in Gorton, Manchester. The court heard that he suffers from schizophrenia and experienced delusions, believing that Charlene was trying to poison him.

On the morning Charlene was found dead, Pitt texted his ex-wife, confessing to the murder. When she arrived at his home, Pitt admitted that he ‘strangled her with his bare hands’.

Charlene’s family were present during the court proceedings, where Pitt appeared via video link from a psychiatric hospital. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility after medical experts determined that his mental illness provided a partial defense to the murder charge he initially faced.

Prosecutors noted Pitt had exacerbated his condition through illegal drug use. Charlene’s family claimed that he would use her money to support his addiction, and that she even collected drugs for him.

Delphine Mills, Charlene's mother, expressed her anguish, stating, “Peter has taken one of the most precious things away from me. Charlene was my first born. What that man has done to me and my family is beyond words.”

She recounted how she welcomed Pitt into their home, hoping it would bring happiness to Charlene. She felt deceived by Pitt’s façade and expressed regret over giving him a chance.

Charlene's mother described Pitt’s abusive behavior towards Charlene, stating he would make her feel guilty about his drug withdrawals, leading Charlene to help him in managing his addiction.

Charlene's sister, Amber Thompson, harshly criticized Pitt in court, saying, “I genuinely feel that you have played the system and won. You disgust me,” calling him the ‘scum of the earth’ while asserting that all Charlene ever did was love him.

'Tell the kids I love them, I've just killed Charlene'

Details emerged about the couple's relationship, revealing they had an on-and-off dynamic for several years. On September 29, 2023, a mutual friend spoke with Charlene and later transferred the call to Pitt, leading to Charlene visiting him later that night.

During a phone call with her mother, she seemed to be in good spirits and asked her to book a hotel, indicating a desire to rekindle her relationship with Pitt.

Charlene was last seen alive entering Pitt's home at 1:21 AM on September 30. Pitt later texted his ex-wife: “I’m so sorry, tell the kids I love them, I’ve just killed Charlene.”

Upon arrival at Pitt’s home, his ex-wife and her husband confronted him. Pitt made chilling statements including, “I’ve strangled her with my bare hands. She’s in my bed. Go and have a look if you don’t believe me.”

Police arrived and began to investigate. Neighbors reported that Pitt had made claims of being poisoned in the past, while the cause of Charlene’s death was confirmed as strangulation.

Pitt has a lengthy criminal history with 39 offenses related to theft. Originally charged with murder, he pled guilty to manslaughter due to diminished responsibility, as psychiatrists for both sides accepted his mental state as a contributing factor.

Pitt’s defense attorney revealed he had been suffering from chronic schizophrenia for over five years, noting that his mental health struggles persisted despite attempts to seek help and periods of sobriety.

Three days before the tragedy, Pitt reportedly contacted the coroner’s office expressing fears for his life. Judge Alan Conrad KC adjourned sentencing until January 24, when further psychiatric evaluations will be discussed. It is expected that Pitt will be sentenced under the Mental Health Act, leading to his detention for treatment.