Alan and Bernita Davies (Image: North Wales Police)
Last Updated: 34 seconds ago
A couple have been sentenced to eight years in prison after admitting they caused or allowed the death of their 32-year-old daughter, who was found in a severely neglected state at their home near Wrexham.
Alan Davies and Bernita Davies, both 60, of Bluebell Estate, Pandy, appeared at Mold Crown Court on Thursday 19 March for sentencing.
Background
Steffie Davies was pronounced dead at her parents’ address on 26 May 2023, after her mother called for an ambulance shortly after 8.30am that morning, reporting that her daughter had died.
Attending paramedics found Steffie in what was later described as an abhorrent condition. Concerns that she may have died earlier than reported led them to alert police, and both Alan and Bernita Davies were arrested the same morning.
A post-mortem examination confirmed Steffie’s cause of death as sepsis resulting from infected pressure ulcerations, combined with very low body weight and poor nutritional status.
Her medical records showed she was not known to mental health or social services, and no medical attention had been sought for her despite her deteriorating condition.
Court proceedings
Both defendants had initially denied charges of manslaughter and causing or allowing the death of a vulnerable adult. In January this year, at Mold Crown Court, they each admitted the charge of causing or allowing the death of a vulnerable adult.
Each received an eight-year prison sentence. They must serve two thirds of the term in custody before becoming eligible for release on licence.
Police response
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Sarah-Jayne Williams said: “The conditions in which Steffie Davies were found were abhorrent and sadly indicated neglect over a prolonged period.
“It is difficult to comprehend that a once fit and healthy woman had been able to deteriorate to the point of death, with no intervention from her mother and father who she resided with at the time and would have been fully aware of her deteriorating condition.
“Both Alan and Bernita Davies have acknowledged the level of care they provided for their daughter was woefully inadequate, which led to her tragic and unavoidable death.”
She added: “I would like to thank my investigation team for the exceptional work they have carried out, through what has been a particularly distressing and complex investigation.
“My thoughts and condolences remain with Steffie’s wider family.”
Tribute from Steffie’s sister 🕊
“I have lots of happy childhood memories with my sister. I can remember when our Nan looked after us in the school holidays, we would make up dances together to Abba songs. We both loved setting up our Nans table with tablecloths, napkins and paper cups to eat our dinner.
“As Steffie got older, she really struggled with social situations. She loved animals and went to Northop college to study an Animal Care Course and did really well.
“She had so much potential but needed the right encouragement and support, which she simply did not get. As time went on her anxiety grew and she found it hard to leave the house.
“Steffie came to my wedding in 2015. I remember feeling so happy that she had come. I feel lucky that Steffie shared that day with me and that I have photos of her smiling and happy that I can look back at now to remember her.
“She could have done so much with her life. Instead, she was left to fade into insignificance in the most inhumane way possible. No sentence that can be given will ever be able to atone that.”
