Slap therapist Hongchi Xiao admits lying to police – court

The court heard he first met Mrs Carr-Gomm at a workshop in Bulgaria the previous year.

She became ill after cutting insulin and fasting.

Mr Xiao told her then that she should resume eating and drinking and continue to take insulin – which she did.

Mr Xiao also repeatedly said he always told participants not to cut medication suddenly but to do it gradually.

She provided him with a glowing testimonial after that workshop and said she had been able to reduce her insulin by half.

Becoming enthusiastic about paida lajin, she offered courses herself at her home and booked to attend the workshop in Seend, Wiltshire.

He said Mrs Carr-Gomm told him in Wiltshire she had checked and her blood sugar was normal.

Mr Xiao denied congratulating her on this – as the prosecution have claimed – but said he was pleased about it, because he believed it showed his paida lajin therapy worked and had “scientific proof”.

Mrs Carr-Gomm died during the course from ketoacidosis, a known complication for diabetics who stop taking insulin.

The case continues.