Son on trial for letting elderly mum rot away in filthy home
Man denies neglect after mother found dead in decaying armchair
Anthony Kimber, 61, stands accused of neglecting his 83-year-old mother Hazel to the point her armchair literally rotted beneath her before she died. The tragic case came to light at Winchester Crown Court, where Kimber denies manslaughter by gross negligence.
Hazel Kimber was discovered dead at their home on Ryde Road, Seaview back in August 2015. Despite no charges for years, Anthony only faced court this year after appearing at Isle of Wight Magistrates Court.
Horrific discovery of elderly woman’s neglected body
Prosecutor Sally Howes QC told the jury Hazel was severely malnourished before her death. Her spine had become stiff and concave after sitting still in one position for around two years. The awful detail: Hazel was found perfectly moulded into a filthy armchair that had started to rot beneath her.
Anthony Kimber allegedly knew his mother was unwell but didn’t call for medical help. He claimed Hazel had asked him not to contact doctors, fearing she’d have to leave the home she had lived in for almost 75 years.
Filthy home, lonely lives and a mother’s fear of doctors
Authorities were only alerted when Kimber finally called NHS 111. Paramedics found Hazel’s lifeless body amidst a home reeking of urine, excrement, mould and decay.
Hazel died from malnutrition and blood clots in her lungs. The court heard the Seaview semi was grim inside and out, reflecting a reclusive lifestyle shared by mother and son.
Kimber now faces charges of manslaughter by gross negligence and causing or allowing the death of a vulnerable adult. He denies all accusations.
