Market Weighton man pleads guilty to manslaughter of his mother
He was initially charged with murder, but was deemed to have diminished responsibility at the time
Last updated 10th Mar 2026
A man from Market Weighton has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of his mother after she was found with a stab wound in her chest.
Rick Parker, 42, was initially charged with murder, but has admitted to manslaughter due to diminished responsibility.
Hull Crown Court heard how Parker called 999 on 5th March 2023.
He told a call handler that a woman (his mother, Helen Harrison) was badly injured.
Police officers and paramedics found Helen with a stab wound to the chest, and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Parker was arrested in the garden on suspicion of murder.
A post-mortem examination determined Helen's death resulted from the stab wound and mechanical asphyxia.
The month before the stabbing, Parker also headbutted and punched his stepfather, causing head and facial injuries.
Due to Parker's mental health state, psychiatrists concluded he was unfit to plead initially.
A fact-finding trial in February 2024 confirmed his actions regarding both incidents.
Following this trial, Parker was put in a secure hospital facility.
In July 2025, Parker was deemed fit to stand trial.
During an initial hearing on 3rd March 2025, Parker pleaded guilty to manslaughter and actual bodily harm via video link.
He remains in a secure hospital facility, awaiting sentencing on 9th April 2026.