A jury in the trial of two men accused of manslaughter by gross negligence following the death of a West Cumbrian pensioner has been sent home for the night — without reaching any verdicts — after a full day of deliberations.
Robert Christopher Morgan, 61, and 53-year-old David Holyoak both deny a charge of manslaughter.
This alleges that they unlawfully killed 71-year-old Dorothy Morgan — their respective wife and mother — by failing to provide her with adequate food and water; failing to ensure she had a safe and hygienic environment in which to live; and failing to call for medical help or other assistance.
Mrs Morgan died on February 4 2021 — 10 days after she was admitted to the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven following a 999 call by her husband.
In that call, Morgan stated that his wife had refused any kind of medical help for months and had stopped eating and drinking.
In hospital, Mrs Morgan was found to be in an emaciated, malnourished and severely dehydrated state, weighing only four-and-a-half stones.
It is alleged by the prosecution that husband Morgan and son by another man Holyoak — both of whom lived with Mrs Morgan at her Calder Avenue home in Whitehaven — completely failed to properly take care of her.
Morgan and Holyoak say they were following her wishes not to seek professional help.
Jurors who have heard all evidence in the case retired to consider their verdicts yesterday morning, and their deliberations continued today.
This afternoon, having not yet reached any verdicts on which all 12 members are agreed, the jury of seven men and five women was sent home for the night.
Their deliberations are due to resume tomorrow morning.
