Pharmacy Worker Found Guilty of Poisoning Partner
Lily Cartier, 53, from Felbridge, has been convicted of poisoning her partner and committing fraud. The court found her guilty on two counts of administering poison to cause serious harm and two counts of fraud after a chilling case that began in 2017.
Health Mystery Unravels into Poisoning Allegations
John Sharrard, 71, started suffering unexplained health problems in February 2017. Initially suspected to have Parkinson’s disease, his condition worsened until he collapsed twice and was hospitalised in October of that year.
His brother became suspicious of Cartier, who lived with John, fearing she was poisoning him. Medical tests uncovered warfarin, a blood thinner, in John’s system, along with haloperidol, an antipsychotic drug found in his hair samples.
John insisted he never took these drugs voluntarily, suggesting Cartier secretly slipped them into his food or drink. Working in a pharmacy, Cartier had easy access to these medications.
Arrest and Recovery
Cartier was arrested in November 2017. Authorities found haloperidol in her handbag and warfarin in her bedside cabinet. After her arrest, John’s health dramatically improved, and he eventually made a full recovery.
Fraud and Final Verdict
Investigations further showed Cartier made unauthorised transactions on John’s bank cards while he was hospitalised. She splurged over £6,000 on jewellery, clothes, and cash withdrawals.
Cartier faced charges in August 2020. Despite pleading not guilty, a jury convicted her on October 23, 2023.
Sadly, John passed away from unrelated causes after Cartier’s initial arrest.
Family Speaks Out & Police Respond
“From an outgoing person, John became quiet and lost spontaneity. He developed a shuffling gait, expressionless face, and slow, monotonous speech. He eventually became incoherent. This appalling, callous woman put so little value on my brother’s life. It is hard to believe someone could be so cruel. John suffered unimaginably because of Lily Cartier’s greed.”
Detective Constable Kieran Gamble said: “This horrific case shows Cartier deliberately poisoned someone who trusted her over a long period. She was calculated and showed no remorse, even going shopping using his bank cards while he lay in hospital. Now she’s behind bars, and I hope John’s family can find some comfort in justice being served.”
