DEPRESSED ALCOHOLIC SPARED JAIL FOR STRANGLING FATHER TO DEATH
A depressed alcoholic who strangled his father Ralph Stephenson Snr was spared jail in a ruling that involved a three-year community order.According to the report, Ralph Stephenson, 46, attacked his father with such violence that it resulted in breaking 10 of the elderly man's ribs.
During court proceedings, it was revealed that Stephenson admitted to police that he had grabbed his father's shoulders, shaken him, and squeezed his father’s throat for approximately 30 seconds, suggesting that his father should be put out of his misery because he was 'at the end of his tether watching his father come to an end.' The court documented the tragic death of Ralph Stephenson Snr, aged 86, who suffered from Parkinson’s Disease and dementia, and was admitted to hospital with a chest infection.
Despite not being in immediate danger initially, it became clear his time was limited, and by June 10, his condition was critical.
Medical staff saw marks on his body after his death; a pathologist found he had suffered 10 separate rib fractures.
Stephenson's actions were considered under the influence of mental illness, and he had previously admitted manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility.
The judge, Mr Justice Openshaw, sentenced him to a three-year community order, supervision involving mental health treatment, and restrictions on visiting his mother during social services interactions.
Stephenson was found to have no satisfactory explanation regarding how his father sustained his injuries.
He was in court wearing a dark suit and white shirt, flanked by security guards, after which he returned to detention, with no family members present.
