CARING SON AVOIDS JAIL AFTER STRANGLING FATHER UNDER CARE STRESS
A devoted son who strangled his father after snapping under the strain of caring for the ''horrible and obnoxious'' 86-year-old escaped a jail sentence yesterday.Lord Eassie ordered James Kidd, 52, to carry out 120 hours community service.
The judge told Kidd at the High Court in Edinburgh: ''I do have regard to the principal fact that at the time, by reason of the mental illness from which you were suffering, your responsibility was considerably diminished.
I also take into account the care and devotion you showed over the years and the period you spent in prison awaiting trial.'' Kidd was originally charged with murdering Mr James Kidd Sr at his home in Rowan Avenue, Renfrew, on June 5 last year.
He pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of culpable homicide.
Kidd, a first offender, had looked after his ailing father for six years.
Care had become increasingly difficult because of his father's behaviour, and Kidd had been staying with him for the last week of his life.
On the final morning, the two argued, and during this dispute, the older man alleged his wife would still be alive if not for his son's past behaviour.
Kidd lost control and attacked his father, punching him, forcing him to the floor, and squeezing his throat before strangling him with a cord.
Immediately after, he went to the police station.
The incident occurred amidst ongoing tensions, with doctors and a home help aware of the father's manipulative personality and refusal to seek treatment.
Kidd had felt under significant strain from caring for his father and was suffering from depression at the time of the assault.
The court deferred sentencing to allow Kidd to receive psychiatric treatment.
The defence highlighted Kidd’s responsible background and current financial situation, mentioning his willingness to work again once the case's outcome was known.
The offence was linked to Kidd's depression.
