Carlisle man jailed for leaving mother on floor for two weeks before she died
Stewart Irwin told police and paramedics his mother had told him not to call for help
Last updated 11th Sep 2026
A Carlisle man who failed to get medical help for his mother for two weeks after she fell at their home has been jailed for six-and-a-half years for her manslaughter.
Stewart Irwin, 56, had been living with his mother, Veronica, at their home on Rydal Street when she fell in July 2023.
The court heard she had been lying on the floor for around two weeks before Irwin called an ambulance, because her skin had turned blue.
When police arrived, When police arrived, Irwin said his mother had told him not to call for help. He said: “I said you want an ambulance and she said no, no, no.”
She was taken to hospital but died later that day.
A post-mortem examination found she died from hypothermia and untreated pressure sores.
A jury at Carlisle Crown Court found him guilty of manslaughter.
He's been sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison today (Friday 11 September).
Detective Constable Emma Armstrong said: “Veronica Irwin died in truly horrendous conditions because her son – who presented himself as her carer – refused to get help for her.
“Irwin had countless chances to ask for help as his mother lay on the floor but waited until it was too late to act.
“The fact that experienced paramedics initially suspected Veronica had already passed away when they arrived demonstrates the terrible condition she was allowed to descend into before Irwin finally acted.”