Man pleads guilty to offering morphine following woman’s death
Lily Gomes, aged 27 from Hatfield, died from morphine toxicity after she was offered the drug by 83-year-old Arthur Sutton
Last updated 19th Aug 2026
A man has pleaded guilty to offering morphine in connection with the death of a woman in Hatfield.
Lily Gomes, aged 27 and from Hatfield, died from morphine toxicity after she was offered the drug by 83-year-old Arthur Sutton.
Sutton, of Cotswolds, in Hatfield, appeared at St Albans Crown Court. He pleaded guilty to three counts of offering to supply morphine to three different women, including Lily.
Lily sadly died in hospital on 18 February 2025, four days after she fell unconscious at Sutton’s home. Sutton had called an ambulance after being unable to wake her.
Police arrested Sutton on 16 February 2025 on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs. He was subsequently charged with three counts of offering to supply morphine.
Sutton will be sentenced at St Albans Crown Court on Friday 9 October
Detective Constable Andreea Stanoiu-Diaconu, who investigated the case, said: “Lily was a young woman with her whole life ahead of her and my thoughts are with her family as they continue to come to terms with her tragic loss.
“This case serves as a stark reminder of the significant dangers associated with the misuse of prescription medication and controlled drugs. Morphine is a powerful drug that should only ever be taken when prescribed and under appropriate medical supervision. If you have concerns about the illegal supply of drugs in your community, please report them to police so that appropriate action can be taken.”
Paying tribute to Lily, her family said: “Lily was so much more than the circumstances in which we lost her. She was a daughter, sister, mum, granddaughter and friend, and she was deeply loved by all of us.
“Lily was vivacious, loud, funny and completely herself. She was brave and bolshy, with a huge personality and a heart just as big. She was fiercely loyal and fiercely protective of the people she loved. Above all, Lily cared enormously about her family and, most of all, her children who were the centre of her world. For us, there are so many memories of Lily that we will always hold onto; the laughter, the arguments, the ridiculous things she did, and the countless little moments that made her who she was.
“Lily's life was tragically cut short, and whilst we will never be able to heal from this, that will never be the entirety of her story. Her story is also one of love, family, friendship, laughter and memories. Lily’s death will now hopefully lead to positive changes.
“She will be missed more than words can say, especially by her children, who have lost their mum far too soon.
“We will do everything we can to keep Lily's memory alive for her children. We will talk about her, laugh about her, tell them our stories, and make sure they grow up knowing just how deeply their mum was loved and what a special person she was. Whilst it would seem justice has been served, it will never bring our Lily back.
“Lily, we miss you, we love you and you will never be forgotten. Thank you to all those involved who supported and fought for justice for Lily.”