Son Convicted: Mother Died on Bathroom Floor

A man has been convicted of manslaughter for failing to assist his 74-year-old mother as she lay dying on their bathroom floor for two weeks. The court heard that paramedics found Veronica Irwin unconscious, semi-naked, and malnourished when they responded to a 999 call on 28 July 2023.

Prosecutors stated that had she received medical attention sooner or been moved, Veronica Irwin would undoubtedly have survived. During the fortnight she lay on the floor, her son, Stewart Irwin, made multiple visits to a shop for alcohol and withdrew cash from her bank account.

Upon arrival, paramedics initially believed the pensioner was dead but later rushed her to the hospital, where she succumbed to hypothermia. The court was told she had neglected pressure ulcers and parts of her body were infested with maggots.

Irwin, who did not give evidence, told a clinical psychologist that he had tried to help his mother, who he claimed repeatedly refused assistance. The psychologist found no evidence that Irwin lacked decision-making capacity. He was bailed ahead of sentencing on 11 September.