Man jailed for murdering his dad in Cumbria
He'll serve a minimum of 17 years in prison
Last updated 7th Aug 2026
A man's been jailed for life for the murder of of his dad in Cumbria, with a minimum of 17 years.
Brian Smith, aged 33, of Friars Garth, Wigton denied charges of murder. However, a jury at Carlisle Crown Court unanimously found him guilty of the murder of Stanley Smith.
The court heard how on 22 December 2025, police received a called from North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) in the early hours of the morning requiring assistance for a 73-year-old man who was unresponsive and not breathing.
Smith, shown in the attached footage initially explained his father's condition as the result of a fall, telling officers he had left him asleep on the floor.
Through detailed forensic and medical evidence, it was established that Stanley Smith had been subjected to significant pressure to his neck, causing fatal injuries.
The CCTV footage captures Stanley's final movements before the events that led to his death.
Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) Steven Byrne said:
"The verdict brings to a close a deeply tragic case in which a son took the life of his own father.
“While nothing can change what happened, today's result ensures that Brian Smith has been held accountable for his actions.
“This case involved a significant amount of investigative work, including forensic examination, witness accounts and detailed enquiries by detectives.
"I would like to thank all those who contributed to the investigation and helped us build the evidence that secured this conviction."