News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Footage captures a killer hiding in a loft moments after attacking and beheading her own mum.

Odessa Carey, 36, was escorted out of the attic and arrested on suspicion of murder by armed police .

Odessa Carey (Senior)'s head was later found wrapped in a pillowcase and inside a bag, in a cupboard under the kitchen sink, in her nearby home.

A jury ruled today Carey's actions caused the 73-year-old gran's death, reports Chronicle Live .

But the defendant could not be found guilty of murder because she had been suffering from a schizophrenic episode at the time of the incident in April last year.

The Hearing of Fact trial at Newcastle Crown Court, held because Carey was deemed unfit to stand trial, was told she hit her mother over the head with a mallet at the property in North Seaton, Northumberland.

(Image: Chronicle Live WS)

Carey will reappear at Newcastle Crown Court on Thursday for sentencing.

Speaking after the case today, Ms Carey Snr's grief-stricken family called her a "loving, caring woman".

An emotional statement read: "Our mam will be sadly missed by all – her sons, daughter, her brothers and sisters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

(Image: Chronicle Live WS)

"Sadly she was taken from us in a horrific and vicious attack by our younger sister, who had suffered mental health issues for many years.

"Our mam was a loving, caring woman who would help anyone that needed it. She also loved to talk to anybody she met. She was taken from us too soon and had a lot more to give.

"We believe that the mental health system failed us and vast improvements need to be made. It is too late for our mam and sister, but hopefully they will learn from our tragic loss and stop others from going through the same heartbreak.

"Our wounds will never heal, and we will miss our mam every single day."

Carey Jnr, of no fixed abode, had faced challenges to her mental health for some time.

Her family, which criticised support services in their statement, also thanked officers from the Northumbria Police's Homicide and Investigation Team (HMET) for their hard work in conducting the investigation and for the help they have received.