BURY MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR MOTHER’S MURDER IN DRUG-FUELLED ASSAULT
Stephen Ball, aged 32 from Bury, has been handed a life sentence after being convicted of murdering his mother, Suzanne Galvin.Law enforcement described the attack as a 'violent assault triggered by drug influence.' The incident happened inside their family home, where Suzanne was found with visible blood and severe bruising, and she died two days later.
Court proceedings revealed that police had initially arrested Ball on suspicion of assault after attending the scene on Saturday, 16 September 2023.
Evidence such as markings on Suzanne’s body matching the tread pattern of Ball’s trainers was introduced, although he maintained his innocence.
The court heard that before the incident, there was a reported disturbance at the address, with a man shouting to his mother to let him inside.
Ball contacted his grandmother in Ireland to report that he had found his mother injured and struggling to breathe, claiming she had a broken wrist and bruises.
However, police found inconsistencies in his statements.
The tread pattern on the trainers he wore corresponded with marks found on Suzanne’s skin.
The senior officer leading the investigation described the case as 'a violent, drug-induced, prolonged assault on an entirely innocent woman.' The court imposed a minimum sentence of 15 years, though it recognized that this would not restore Suzanne’s life.
The police emphasized their ongoing commitment to addressing violence against women and girls.
The case garnered widespread media attention and provoked discussions about domestic violence, drug issues, and community safety, leaving a significant mark on the local area.
