Review into neglected woman's death after son and husband convicted

Robert Christopher Morgan and his stepson David Holyoak have been warned to expect prison sentences

Authorities are to examine how a 71-year-old woman died after being neglected by her own husband and son.

Dorothy Morgan was found malnourished, dehydrated and lying in her own waste, at her Whitehaven home in 2021.

Robert Morgan, 61, and David Holyoak, 53, were convicted of her manslaughter by neglect following a trial on Monday.

A domestic homicide review will be carried out by Cumberland Community Safety Partnership (CSP) to "identify any lessons to be learnt".

Carlisle Crown Court was told Mrs Morgan had been immobile for a significant period of time before her death.

Paramedics were called to Calder Avenue on 25 January and she was taken to West Cumberland Hospital, where she died 10 days later.

A pathologist said her death had been caused by her severely emaciated state.

In evidence, the defendants - who denied the charges - said they were following Mrs Morgan's wishes that no medical help be sought.

The pair are back in court on 25 March and have been warned by a judge they face an "almost inevitable" custodial sentence.

'Action plan inevitable'

Domestic homicide reviews are carried out when an adult's death happens as a result of violence, abuse or neglect by a relative, partner or member of the same household.

It will be led by Cumberland Community Safety Partnership, which is made up of agencies including Cumberland Council, Cumbria Police and the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board.

Chairman Colin Cox said: "This is a tragic case of manslaughter by gross negligence. My thoughts are with the family of Dorothy Morgan.

"The review will examine the case in depth and identify any lessons to be learnt.

"All agencies and organisations are committed to improving practice, and the community safety partnership will monitor the implementation of the action plan which will inevitably arise from this review."

Morgan and Holyoak, who is Mrs Morgan's son from a previous relationship, were released on bail while they await their sentence.