In a case that has sparked emotional debate, Kevin Peace, a 60-year-old carer, has been spared jail time after admitting to the manslaughter of his 89-year-old mother, Eileen Pearce, who suffered from dementia and osteoporosis.
The tragic incident occurred in June 2021 at their home in Bexleyheath, where Peace, overwhelmed by the challenges of caring for his ailing mother, took her life before attempting to end his own.
Peace, who had looked after his mother for a decade, admitted to smothering her before slashing his own wrists. He later contacted the authorities, explaining that he believed he had put his mother “out of her suffering.”
Despite his admission to the act, Peace denied the charge of murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility, citing his severely depressed state at the time.
At the sentencing hearing on Thursday at the Old Bailey, Judge Alexia Durran handed down a suspended two-year jail term to Peace, emphasizing that while the case was indeed tragic, mercy killing is not recognized as an exemption to homicide laws.
Addressing Peace directly, Judge Durran acknowledged the challenging circumstances that led to his actions, characterizing them as an “act of mercy” within the context of his severely depressed state. She also imposed 240 days of unpaid work and a 30-day rehabilitation requirement.
During the trial, details emerged of the distressing events leading up to Mrs Pearce’s death. In a police interview, Peace expressed his feelings of overwhelming despair and stated that he believed his mother was experiencing unbearable pain.
In a poignant note found by authorities, Peace apologized for his actions, expressing love for his mother and stating that he felt he had reached the end of his capacity to cope.
In a victim impact statement read to the court, Mrs Pearce’s older son, Terry Pearce, spoke of their mother’s resilience and the challenges of caring for her. He appealed for compassion for his brother, highlighting the immense stress and emotional toll of watching a loved one deteriorate.
In mitigation, defence barrister Katy Thorne KC emphasized the case’s unique circumstances, arguing for a suspended sentence based on Peace’s remorse, guilty plea, and previous good character.
The sentencing has sparked discussions about the complexities of caring for elderly relatives, particularly those suffering from dementia, and the profound emotional impact it can have on caregivers.
