A man who was convicted of the manslaughter of his mother has been sentenced to prison today (11 Sept).
Stewart Irwin, 56, of Rydal Street, Carlisle, was found guilty of the offence following a trial at Carlisle Crown Court and was sentenced today to six-and-a-half years in prison.
The court heard how Irwin had been living with his mother when she died on 28 July 2023.
That day, Stewart Irwin had called NWAS to say that his mother had fallen in the wet room and refused to get up.
He went on to explain that his mother had been on the floor for two weeks now and refusing food and help, describing her as “one of those stubborn old women”. However, he was calling now as her skin had turned blue.
He also went on to say during the call “I could have killed her myself” before adding “ah, I don’t want to say that”.
Four paramedics attended the address and, on arrival, initially thought that Irwin’s mother was already deceased due to the state of neglect she was in, including severe pressure sores and the presence of an insect infestation.
Irwin was asked by paramedics why he had waited so long to call he told them she wouldn’t let him call for help.
When police arrived, Irwin told them his mother always told him not to call anyone. He said: “I said you want an ambulance and she said no, no, no.”
Irwin’s mother was taken to hospital but died that evening.
Following a post-mortem investigation, the cause of death was found to be hypothermia and neglected pressure ulcers.
Irwin was interviewed by police twice following his mother’s death. Both times he refused to answer questions, giving “no comment” responses.
However, he was convicted of manslaughter following a trial.
Detective Constable Emma Armstrong said: “Veronica Irwin died in truly horrendous conditions because her son – who presented himself as her carer – refused to get help for her.
“Irwin had countless chances to ask for help as his mother lay on the floor but waited until it was too late to act.
“The fact that experienced paramedics initially suspected Veronica had already passed away when they arrived demonstrates the terrible condition she was allowed to descend into before Irwin finally acted.”
Stewart Irwin