The husband of a woman who died in Whitehaven has appeared in court accused of her manslaughter.
Sixty-year-old Robert Morgan and co-defendant David Holyoak, who is 52 and said to be the woman’s son, jointly face one charge.
This alleges manslaughter, and specifically that Morgan and Holyoak unlawfully killed Dorothy Morgan on February 3 2021.
Morgan and Holyoak, both of Calder Avenue, Whitehaven, appeared in front of a judge at Carlisle Crown Court this morning.
Morgan and Holyoak spoke to confirm their names and dates of birth, and to say not guilty when the allegation was put to them in turn by a clerk.
Prosecution and defence barristers appeared in court remotely over video links. However, there were several connection problems during the hearing which prevented counsel being either seen or heard.
At one stage, Judge Nicholas Barker said: “I don’t know who can hear me”, before observing: “This is far from adequate.”
A date for a jury trial was provisionally listed. This is due to start on January 15 and has been given a time estimate of three weeks.
The court heard expert reports were being sought in the case. A further hearing to assess progress is due take place at the crown court on October 9.
Morgan and Holyoak remain on unconditional bail and both were reminded by Judge Barker to assist their legal teams with the preparation of pre-trial defence statements.
These must outline their respective defences to the allegation and also issues they take with the prosecution case.
