Mental Health Patient Jailed Over Fatal Attack on Fellow Inmate
A chilling attack inside a Hillingdon mental health unit ended in tragedy when Ronnell Dennis, 26, fatally assaulted fellow patient David Siirak, 27. The violent incident happened on Sunday, 1 March, at around 5.10pm at the Pield Heath Road facility.
Attack and Manhunt
Dennis launched a brutal assault on David before fleeing the hospital. David later died from severe head injuries in hospital on 4 March. Police immediately appealed for help locating Dennis, who was arrested the very next day on suspicion of attempted murder.
- 2 March: Dennis arrested
- 3 March: Charged with attempted murder
- 4 March: Remanded in custody at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court
Sentence Upgraded as Case Develops
Months later, on 30 June, Dennis faced Kingston Crown Court where charges were bumped up from attempted murder to murder. However, on 26 August, he pleaded guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility — a plea accepted by the court.
Hospital Order Sentenced
On Monday, 28 September, Dennis was sentenced under a hospital order with a restriction under section 41, meaning he will be detained in a secure mental health facility rather than prison.
Detective Sergeant Colin McKeen, from the Met’s Specialist Crime South, said:
“David’s family have been left heartbroken by this. I know that this has been a truly painful time for them, and while today’s outcome will never bring David back, I hope they find a little comfort in the sentence.”
Family Mourns Tragic Loss
David’s family released a statement reflecting on their loss:
“We have suffered a great and terrible loss after David’s tragic death on 4 March 2020. This has been a life-changing experience. Life will never ever be the same for us without David. David was a strong and much-loved young man, and he will eternally be missed by us all.”
