Isle of Wight Son Cleared of Manslaughter After Mother Dies in Neglect Horror
Anthony Kimber Found Not Guilty
An Isle of Wight man has been cleared of manslaughter following the death of his elderly mother at their rundown home. Anthony Kimber was found not guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence and causing the death of a vulnerable adult after 83-year-old Hazel Kimber died in an armchair back in 2015.
Grim Scene at Ryde Road Home
Hazel Kimber was discovered deceased at the Ryde Road, Seaview property on 31 August 2015. The pensioner was severely malnourished, and her spine had become rigid and concave from sitting in the same chair for two years. The chair itself was decaying beneath her.
Her cause of death was linked to malnutrition and blood clots in her lungs. The house was described during the trial as filthy, with overwhelming smells of urine, faeces, and mould.
Son Denies Neglect, Says Mother Refused Help
Despite charges being brought in early 2019, Anthony Kimber always denied neglecting his mother. He told the court Hazel had rejected all offers of medical help and was terrified of leaving the home where she had lived for 75 years.
“I regret not going against her wishes,” Kimber admitted in court.
Jurors Deliver Verdict
After a tense trial at Winchester Crown Court, jurors found Kimber not guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence and cleared him of causing or allowing the death of a vulnerable adult. The case has raised difficult questions about caring for elderly relatives against their will.
