Man jailed over church warden's death
David Parish, 38, attacked the 86 year old in her home with an umbrella
Last updated 23rd May 2025
A man who killed an elderly church warden at her home in a quiet Somerset village has been jailed for 6 years.
David Parish, 38 of no fixed address, left what should have been a secure mental health unit in Taunton and made his way to the nearby village of Broomfield on March 27, 2023.
After leaving the unit, Parish went to a nearby barber and had his hair cut short and his beard shaved off.
Prosecutor, Anna Vigars KC, told Bristol Crown Court how Parish had tried to pull a man from a car as he drove away from the car park in Fyne Court, a National Trust property in Somerset, but had been unsuccessful.
A short time later, Parish gained access to a home nearby.
It was there that he attacked 86 year old Beryl Purdy with an umbrella. She tragically succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Parish previously admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
Following the sentencing, Bez’s family said: “We would like to thank the police for their meticulous work in proving who was responsible for the brutal and fatal attack on our beloved wife, mother and granny, Bez Purdy.
“We are serving a life sentence of torment knowing that we were unable to save Bez from her attacker and the outcome of sentencing today also means that her attacker avoids a life sentence. We would not wish our hell on any other family and urge for a review of how the community can be protected from people with severe mental health issues.”
Speaking after the sentence, DI Debbie Hatch added: “This was a deeply tragic incident in which Bez lost her life in the most distressing of circumstances inside her own home.
“Our thoughts remain first and foremost with her family and friends, who have shown great strength throughout what has been an incredibly difficult time.
“This case highlights the complex intersection between mental health and criminal justice. While the defendant’s illness does not excuse his actions, it has been recognised as a key factor in the tragic events which unfolded.
“I want to commend the investigation team, specialist medical professionals and Crown Prosecution Service for their diligence and professionalism throughout this sensitive case.
“Most importantly, I want to pay tribute to Bez and the life she led. She was described by those who knew her as an incredibly caring lady and beloved by all who met her. Her death has left a profound void in the lives of many, and we hope today’s outcome provides at least a degree of closure to those mourning her loss.”
Following sentencing, a spokesperson for Somerset NHS Foundation Trust said: “Our thoughts are with both families at what we realise will be a very difficult time.
“As is standard practice with tragic incidents like this, we conducted a full root cause analysis investigation to understand and review the unit’s environment, to identify if there are any areas of learning that we can take forward for our future care and support to patients and families. This includes a review of security arrangements on Rydon ward, where appropriate changes have been made.”