Parents Sentenced to Eight Years for Daughter's Neglect Death
A couple described as a "mother from hell" and a "bad father" have been jailed for eight years after their vulnerable daughter died in an emaciated state weighing only five stone with lice infesting her hair. Bernita Davies and her husband Alan, both aged 60, accepted blame for the death of their 32-year-old daughter Steffie, whose body was found "almost skeletal" and decomposing in her bedroom.
Distressing Details of the Case
Emergency services discovered Steffie Davies's body in May 2023 at the family home in Wrexham, North Wales. She was in an "emaciated state" with flies around her face, having been dead for some time. A Home Office pathologist determined she died from sepsis caused by infected pressure ulcers, extremely low body weight, and poor nutritional status. The court heard ulcers on her body had been present for at least six weeks.
Sentencing the couple at Mold Crown Court, Mrs Justice Mary Stacey stated: "You are both criminally responsible for her death and did not care for her." She noted one of the most distressing aspects was how little was known about Steffie over the previous decade, during which she became increasingly withdrawn.
Parental Failure and Ignored Suffering
The judge emphasized that if the parents had checked on their daughter, they could not have missed her severe condition. Alan Davies told paramedics Steffie had not left her bed for twelve months. As she lay in "extreme pain," her parents continued with their lives, simply ignoring her starvation and deterioration.
Bernita Davies, described as shouting at her children when they were younger, called emergency services at 8:30 AM on May 25, 2023, reporting her daughter was "dead," "cold everywhere," and like "a skeleton." During the 999 call, when asked if Steffie was beyond help, she replied "yes" while crying.
Court Proceedings and Family Impact
Prosecutor Andrew Thomas KC stated the couple "failed in their responsibility to look after her," with Steffie's room found in an "appalling state" contrasting sharply with the clean rest of the house. Distressing photos of her injuries were not shown to preserve her dignity.
A statement from Steffie's unnamed sister revealed she was "left to fade into insignificance," describing a childhood that wasn't easy and a non-close-knit family. The sister questioned how her parents could watch Steffie fade away without intervention, expressing ongoing grief and concern for her parents' imprisonment.
Guilty Pleas and Mitigating Factors
Initially charged with gross negligence manslaughter, the Davieses pleaded guilty to causing or allowing the death of a vulnerable adult. Both had no previous convictions and had led law-abiding lives during their 34-year marriage.
Defence counsel Maria Masselis KC said Bernita felt "shame and guilt" and a "distinct feeling of inadequacy" in caring for Steffie, acknowledging she must live with this for life. Simon Rogers KC, defending Alan, who has bladder cancer, stated there was no malevolence toward Steffie, but inaction led to her death. Alan admitted to being "a bad father."
A family tribute described Steffie as a "beloved daughter," "dear granddaughter," and "sadly missed auntie and niece," adding she is "much loved and will always be remembered."
