A 49 year old Blackpool woman has been jailed for 9 years 7 months following the death of her daughter from gross neglect. Elaine Clarke of Garden Terrace, South Shore appeared for sentence before Mrs Justice Yip at the Crown Court at Preston on 24th February. She had earlier admitted an offence of manslaughter.
The case involved the death of Debbie Leitch, aged 24, at her home in August 2019. The circumstances of her death reflected an extreme measure of neglect over a significant period of time.
Lincoln House fielded counsel for the Prosecution and Defence. John Harrison QC, leading Vanessa Thomson of 9 St John Street Chambers, appeared for the Crown. Tim Storrie QC, leading Sharon Watson of 15 Winckley Square Chambers, instructed by Kathryn Jamieson-Sinclair of Roland Robinson & Fentons Solicitors, appeared for the Defendant.
To read the sentencing remarks and more follow the links below:
https://www.judiciary.uk/judgments/r-v-elaine-clarke/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-60507814
https://www.lancs.live/news/lancashire-news/mum-abandoned-disabled-daughter-who-23206150