STAFFORDSHIRE MAN AVOIDS JAIL OVER PARTNER'S FATAL SCALDING BATH
A 53-year-old man from Audley, Staffordshire, named Mark Clowes, was involved in a serious criminal matter following the death of his partner, Clare Bell.Bell sustained fatal injuries after being placed in a hot bath.
It was established that Clowes had helped her into the bath, aware of her impaired state due to alcohol consumption.
Despite witnessing her severe scald injuries, he delayed calling for medical assistance for several hours.
When an ambulance was eventually summoned, she was already deceased.
Her injuries included extensive burns covering approximately 30% of her body, which contributed to her death, as confirmed by a pathologist’s report.
During his trial last year, evidence was presented showing Clowes assisted Bell into the hazardous situation.
At Stafford Crown Court, he received a two-year suspended sentence, along with orders to attend an alcohol treatment program and participate in rehabilitation.
The court described his conduct as grossly negligent but did not impose a jail sentence.
Family members of Ms Bell expressed their grief and anger over her loss, highlighting their belief that she was betrayed by someone she trusted to care for her.
Detective Inspector Cheryl Hannan of Staffordshire Police commented, “Clare could have been saved that day by someone she trusted – but she wasn’t.
Her family will never understand how things might have been different.” The case underscores the tragic impact of neglect and alcohol impairment in domestic environments.
