Two men have been sentenced to jail for the neglect that led to the death of their wife and mother, who weighed just four-and-a-half stone at the time of her demise. Dorothy Morgan, aged 71, was admitted to the hospital on January 25, 2021, in a severely malnourished and dehydrated state, with infected pressure sores. She passed away ten days later due to emaciation and neglect. At the time of her deterioration, the UK was experiencing its third lockdown due to the Covid pandemic.
Living with Dorothy were her husband, Robert Christopher Morgan, aged 61, and David Alan Holyoak, aged 53, who was her son from a previous relationship. Both Morgan and Holyoak were found guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence following a trial.
[adinserter name="Eight"]The prosecution argued that they failed to provide Dorothy with sufficient food and water, neglected to ensure her well-being in a safe environment, and neglected to seek medical help despite her deteriorating condition. Despite her worsening state, they allegedly stood by and watched as she declined.
According to the prosecution, between December 14 and 28, 2020, Dorothy became incapable of attending to her basic needs. Medical evidence presented in court suggested that she experienced acute pain due to her condition.
[adinserter name="Seven"]The defendants allegedly left Dorothy without the ability to care for herself, leading to what the prosecution termed a “blatant disregard” for her well-being. Despite her dire condition, no help was sought until January 25, 2021, when Robert Morgan called for assistance after finishing a night shift.
Both defendants claimed they were following Dorothy’s instructions not to seek help. However, text messages from Holyoak to a friend suggested he was aware of his mother’s deteriorating condition.
[adinserter name="Six"] [adinserter name="Five"]During cross-examination, Holyoak admitted he should have done more to care for his mother. Morgan believed that Dorothy wouldn’t have accepted help if it had been offered earlier, as he thought she intended to end her life.
In sentencing, the judge acknowledged that Dorothy had not seen a doctor for several years and did not want medical intervention. However, she concluded that neither defendant spent significant time caring for Dorothy and sought help only as a last resort.
[adinserter name="Four"] [adinserter name="Three"]The judge emphasized the defendants’ gross negligence, stating that they could have done more to prevent Dorothy’s death. Morgan was sentenced to three years in prison, while Holyoak received a sentence of two years and eight months.
Both defendants will serve half of their sentences on license. Gail O’Brien, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, described the case as one of the worst instances of manslaughter by gross negligence she had encountered. She expressed sympathy for Dorothy’s loved ones.
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