Woman admits manslaughter of mobility scooter user

Neil Shadwick was left outside in freezing conditions after his mobility scooter was stolen

A woman has admitted the manslaughter of a vulnerable disabled man after stealing his mobility scooter and leaving him in freezing conditions.

Neil Shadwick, 63, died in hospital after being found unresponsive in a Tesco supermarket car park in Stroud, Gloucestershire, in January 2023.

Appearing by videolink at Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday, Kimberley Ann Hawkins, 41, admitted unlawfully killing Mr Shadwick.

Hawkins will be sentenced in August.

Kimberley Ann Hawkins will be sentenced later this year

Hawkins previously admitted assaulting Neil Shadwick and stealing his mobility scooter.

Police found that she rode away on the scooter leaving Mr Shadwick in sub-zero temperatures.

Mr Shadwick used his mobility scooter as his mode of transport.

He died in hospital the same day.

After the hearing, Det Insp Adam Stacey from Gloucestershire Constabulary’s major crime team said: "Hawkins’ sickening actions had tragically fatal consequences for a man whom she knew full well to be extremely vulnerable.

"I welcome her guilty plea, which has meant that Mr Shadwick’s family at least have not had to endure a lengthy trial in court.

"Our thoughts remain with his family at this very difficult time."

Hawkins has been remanded in custody until the sentencing.