FAMILY FORGIVES MAN WHO KILLED HIS MOTHER AND IS SENT TO SECURE HOSPITAL
The family of Newcastle man who suffocated his elderly mother, Williamina Valentine, has expressed forgiveness towards him.Williamina, 84 years old, was discovered by emergency services at her residence on Cleghorn Street, Heaton, in December.
David Valentine, aged 47, admitted to manslaughter with diminished responsibility and is now placed in a secure hospital for an indefinite period.
Following his sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court, the family—represented by his son and daughter, Brian Valentine and Susan Soroczan—issued a joint statement saying, "We loved our mum with all of our hearts and doubt that we will ever be able to fully come to terms with the manner of her death.
However, we do believe there can be forgiveness and redemption and we do love David.
The love and care David lavished on our mum—and our dad prior to that—was second to none.
Everyone, including family, friends, and neighbours, has described David as a kind, caring, loving person who would do anything for anyone.
He has suffered from mental illness for over 20 years and nothing even remotely like this has ever happened before.
We firmly believe that whatever happened that night was a one-off aberration precipitated by years of pressure."
