Hichame Bahloul Sentenced to Life for Murder of Susan Higginbotham

– British pensioner killed in dream home
– Elderly woman beaten to death in UK residence.

Accident – Death – Obituary News : A man has been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of British pensioner Susan Higginbotham in her “dream retirement home” in France. The 67-year-old was found dead at her house in Esclottes, a quaint rural village located 35 miles east of Bordeaux, in September 2021.

Hichame Bahloul, the 42-year-old neighbour of Higginbotham, confessed to the murder and expressed his desire for the maximum sentence, admitting that he would kill again if ever released. The Lot-et-Garonne assize court heard that Bahloul lost his temper after Higginbotham asked to borrow some sticking tape. However, he later changed his story, claiming that he killed her because he wanted to go to prison to escape from his family.

Bahloul, who has spent a significant portion of his life in psychiatric care, had been living with his parents in the village and would occasionally exchange pleasantries with Higginbotham. He revealed to the court, “The story of the tape? It was a pretext to go to her house. I returned with my cord and I strangled her. We fell, the rope fell. It broke. I punched her in the face and kicked her in the chest to make sure she was dead.”

The prosecutor highlighted Bahloul’s history of violence, noting that he had attacked numerous individuals during his hospitalizations, including patients and nursing staff. Bahloul reportedly suffers from several psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, and a psychiatric report described him as “prone to psychotic disturbances, combined with a schizophrenic condition,” suggesting that he lacked the capacity to feel guilt.

Bahloul’s lawyer revealed that his client feels safe in prison and struggles with the concept of freedom. The suspect was swiftly identified following the discovery of Higginbotham’s body by an acquaintance who went to check on her. Higginbotham, originally from Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, had previously worked as a finance director and company representative before relocating to France.

A friend of Higginbotham, who travelled from the UK to testify, described her as a caring and open individual who had a successful career and had worked hard. The friend reminisced, “She really wanted to be happy in France when she moved in 2016, and I think she was. She was living her dream. She was funny. I miss her a lot.”

The state prosecutor pushed for a life sentence after Bahloul chillingly declared in court, “If you let me out, I’ll do it again.” The tragic incident has left the community in shock and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and support..

British pensioner beaten to death
Pensioner beaten to death in ‘dream home’.