A man accused of the manslaughter by gross negligence of his elderly mother has opted not to present any evidence or call witnesses in his defence at Carlisle Crown Court. Stewart Irwin, from Carlisle, denies allegations he failed to assist his 74-year-old mother, Veronica Irwin, after she suffered a fall in their Rydal Street flat.
Jurors were informed that Mr Irwin's barrister, Andrew Ford KC, confirmed to Justice Bright that his client would not be testifying or presenting any other defence witnesses. Justice Bright subsequently advised the jury that they may draw appropriate inferences from Mr Irwin's decision not to give evidence. Mr Irwin would have been the sole defence witness in the trial.
Veronica Irwin died several hours after being admitted to hospital on 28 July 2023. Paramedics who attended the flat initially believed she was deceased, describing her as being in an extremely critical condition. She was found partially clothed, malnourished, and covered in bin liners and a duvet. A Home Office pathologist previously testified that the immediate cause of death was a combination of hypothermia and neglected pressure ulcers, which covered over a third of her body and had led to sepsis.
The court previously heard that Mr Irwin told a 999 call handler his mother had been lying on the bathroom floor for a fortnight and had declined help. The trial was adjourned for the day following Mr Irwin's decision, with proceedings set to resume for closing arguments.
Prosecution and defence barristers are now expected to deliver their closing speeches to the jurors. Justice Bright will then provide legal directions and summarise the evidence presented in the case before the jury retires to begin their deliberations.