Simon Parks, a former plumber convicted of sexually assaulting and murdering his elderly mother-in-law, Mari O’Flynn, has lost his bid to reduce his sentence in the Court of Appeal. Parks was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 25 years after strangling the 79-year-old woman at their shared home in Newport, Gwent.
Appearing via video link at the Court of Appeal in London, Parks sought to challenge the length of his sentence. However, three judges unanimously dismissed his appeal. Mr Justice Jay, sitting with Lady Justice Carr and Judge Jeremy Richardson KC, stated that the appeal centered around the balance between aggravating and mitigating factors in the case. The judges determined that the sentencing judge was justified in finding that Parks committed a murder involving sexual conduct and had the discretion to increase the starting point of his sentence.
During the original trial at Cardiff Crown Court, it was revealed that Parks had repeatedly punched Mrs. O’Flynn in the face before strangling her to death on May 24, 2022. He also sexually assaulted her, though the precise timing could not be determined. Parks, who was 52 at the time, pleaded guilty to the murder charge and was subsequently sentenced in November last year.
The discovery of Mrs. O’Flynn’s body at their home prompted a police investigation. The post-mortem examination revealed injuries consistent with manual strangulation and determined the cause of death as pressure to the neck. Parks was arrested with visible facial injuries and admitted to the attack, expressing his anger over a dispute about cigarettes.
In the aftermath of Parks’ sentencing at Newport Crown Court, the family of Mari O’Flynn paid tribute to their loved one, expressing the immense loss they felt and their desire to grieve in private. They fondly remembered her sparkle, her funny stories, and her love for watching sports while enjoying endless cups of tea.
With the Court of Appeal’s decision to uphold the original sentence, Simon Parks will continue to serve life imprisonment for the horrific crime he committed against his mother-in-law.
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