An ‘alternative healer’ has been remanded in custody over the alleged manslaughter of a woman at a ‘slapping therapy’ workshop.
Hongchi Xiao, 60, only spoke to confirm this name, age and address when he appeared at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court this afternoon (December 1).
He faces a charge of gross negligence manslaughter.
The court was told that the defendant, of no fixed abode, was running a business porting to provide “medical advice and assistance to members of the public”.
It’s alleged that Xiao told Danielle Carr-Gomm to stop taking her diabetes medication, instead using paida lajin – colloquially known as ‘slapping therapy’ – to treat her condition.
The 71-year-old died during a week-long workshop at Cleeve House in Seend, Wilts., in October 2016.
The case was sent to Winchester Crown Court, with a plea and trial preparation hearing listed for 3 January 2024.
Xiao was remanded in custody.
