Godalming man sentenced after pleading guilty to mother’s manslaughter

A man has been sentenced to a hospital order after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of his mother at her home in Farncombe last year. Nicholas Steel, 57, of Meadrow, Godalming, was sentenced to the order under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act at Guildford Crown Court yesterday (12 April), after the judge concluded that he was suffering from a mental health disorder. Police were called to the address in Wey Court following a 999 call around 9.20am on Sunday, October 29. When they arrived, they found 79-year-old Mary Steel lying in the hallway with stab wounds to her neck. She was treated at the scene by paramedics but was sadly pronounced dead around 10.10am. Steel appeared moments later with what is believed to have been self-inflicted injuries. He was arrested on suspicion of murder and taken to hospital where he was treated for his injuries before being transferred to police custody. The court heard that Steel was suffering from a depressive illness when he fatally stabbed his mother. Detective Chief Inspector Jo Hayes, who led the investigation, said: “This was an extremely tragic case, resulting in the unnecessary death of a woman who was well-liked and respected by those who knew her. “I would also like to praise all those who attended from the emergency services for the way they dealt with this incident.” Paying tribute to Mrs Steel, her family said: “We are desperately sad at the tragic events that led to Mary’s death. She was a respected member of a number of churches in Godalming and was a religious person who led her life accordingly. She is greatly missed by her family and friends.”