Parents Sentenced Following Daughter's Death
A couple have each been sentenced to eight years in prison after their daughter was left to die in an emaciated condition.
Steffie Davies, aged 32, was discovered deceased by paramedics who responded to a call at her residence in Wrexham, north Wales, in May 2023, according to Mold Crown Court proceedings.
Alan and Bernita Davies, both 60 years old, pleaded guilty to causing or allowing the death of their daughter, who suffered from anxiety and seldom left the home.
Steffie, who was 5ft 7in (170cm) tall and weighed five stone nine pounds (36kg), was described as "almost skeletal" with pressure sores and joint contractures that would have made it impossible for her to eat or drink without assistance, the court was informed.
Warning: Some readers may find details in this story distressing.
Andrew Jones KC, prosecuting, reported that Steffie had dirty, matted hair potentially containing lice eggs, suspected fungal infections, and was found in a bed described as "sodden."
In a statement, Steffie's sister noted that she had shown promise while studying animal care at college, but her anxiety intensified with age, making it difficult for her to leave the house.
Bernita Davies was characterized by a neighbour as the "mother from hell" due to her harsh treatment of her three children during their upbringing.
Steffie's older sibling, who remains unnamed in court and is estranged from their parents, stated:
"With the right support and encouragement from my mum and dad, 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 could ever be able to atone for that."
Details of Discovery and Condition
The court heard that Bernita Davies made a 999 call at approximately 08:30 BST on 26 May 2023 to report her daughter's death.
During the call, Bernita was heard crying and told the operator that her daughter was "cold" and "like a skeleton."
Jones explained that Bernita had last attended to Steffie at 21:00 on 24 May while she was reading in bed, and checked on her several times the following day when she appeared to be asleep, before discovering her deceased on 26 May.
He added, "In all probability, she had been dead long before that."
It was not possible to determine the exact time of Steffie's death, but an expert testified that the ulcers on her body had been present for at least six weeks.
The cause of death was identified as sepsis resulting from infected pressure ulcers, extremely low body weight, and poor nutritional status, according to a pathologist.
Steffie's ground-floor bedroom was described as being in an "appalling" state, in stark contrast to the clean condition of the rest of the home in Pandy, Wrexham county, Jones noted.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Steffie's parents declined to comment during police interviews and were initially charged with gross negligence manslaughter.
Earlier this year, their guilty pleas to causing or allowing their daughter's death were accepted.
During sentencing, Mrs Justice Stacey stated that Bernita and Alan Davies had "not loved or cared for" their daughter and were both criminally responsible for her death.
She expressed hope that their other daughter would remember the "happy times," including dancing to Abba together, Steffie's success at college, and the joy she brought when living at home.
The judge remarked, "You were both well able to visit the doctor and get help for your own problems," but never sought assistance for Steffie as "she became more and more withdrawn and her horizons narrowed."
She added,
"Your daughter said you let her fade away…it was so much worse than that."
Mrs Justice Stacey further stated,
"There is no evidence of her ever having been shown love and affection. Instead, she was verbally abused by you and you showed complete indifference to her suffering."
The last time Steffie was seen outside the home was in 2017, when her mother was observed shouting at her and calling her "stupid," the court heard.
Alan Davies, a factory worker, informed paramedics that Steffie had not left her bed for 12 months prior to her death. Her younger brother testified that in December 2022, Steffie was bed-bound and too weak to open a box of chocolates he had given her for Christmas.
He stated, "It was you, her parents, you were the problem," adding that Steffie had no underlying health issues before her death.
Defence Statements and Background
Maria Masselis, representing Bernita Davies, said,
"The defendant's plea is a public acknowledgement that she failed her daughter in terms of providing adequate care. That's a responsibility that will stay with her for the rest of her life."
The court heard that the couple had been together for 34 years and had three children, as well as an 18-month-old grandchild with whom they maintained contact.
Simon Rogers, defending Alan Davies, stated,
"This is not a case where the defendant felt any malevolence towards Steffie, there is no ill feeling towards her, he never wished her harm, yet he must accept that through his inaction that led to her death."
Bernita Davies, a former supermarket supervisor, and Alan Davies, a former factory worker, both had no previous criminal convictions.
They were each sentenced to eight years in prison and will serve three quarters of their sentences before being eligible for release on licence.
Mrs Justice Stacey noted that she did not accept there was "evidence of genuine remorse…rather of victim blaming." Alan Davies looked down during the remarks, while both defendants stared straight ahead and showed no emotion as sentences were pronounced.
Investigation and Community Response
Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Sarah-Jayne Williams commented on the case, stating it is difficult to comprehend how a "once fit and healthy woman had been able to deteriorate to the point of death with no intervention from her mother and father."
A spokesperson for Wrexham council confirmed that Steffie was not known to social services; however, the council is coordinating with the North Wales Safeguarding Board to determine if the case meets the criteria for a formal review.
