Woman jailed for causing death of long-term partner in Everton
Steven Cox, 63, died in the early hours of New Years Day
Last updated 28th Jul 2025
A woman who caused the death of her long-term partner in Everton has been jailed for five years.
Gillian Shaw, 62, has been sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court after pleading guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of lack of intent.
She cared for Steven Cox, 63, who was house-bound with significant medical conditions including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema, which gave him a life expectancy of 12 months.
Merseyside Police officers were called to an address on Rothwell Street at around 4pm on Tuesday 31 December 2024, following reports of a domestic assault.
They found Steven Cox, 63, with a number of serious injuries - he was rushed to hospital and died in the early hours of New Years Day.
It was discovered that Shaw hit Steven on the head, dragged him from his bed, and tried to gouge out his eyes.
She had attacked him before, but Steven had not been willing to support a prosecution because he felt she needed help with her mental health.
Medical evidence later confirmed that Shaw suffered from several mental health conditions.
Shaw was arrested at the scene and initially charged with murder, but the Crown Prosecution Service accepted a plea of manslaughter after believing that she didn't intend to kill him.
When interviewed by police, Shaw said she called them because she thought Steven might die because of what she had done to him - adding that she loved him and didn't want him to die.
Detective Inspector Jay Halpin, from the Merseyside Police Protecting Vulnerable People (PVP) Unit, said:
"This is a tragic case in which Shaw admitted assaulting her partner Steven multiple times on New Year’s Eve, causing serious injuries which sadly proved fatal.
"Although Steven had existing medical conditions, his life was violently and prematurely taken by his long-term partner, and she will now face a significant time in jail.
"This was, at its heart, a complex case involving long-term partners and I would like to thank the investigation team and CPS for the care and compassion they have shown throughout."
Senior Crown Prosecutor Edward Cain, of CPS Mersey-Cheshire, said:
"Gillian Shaw’s attack caused serious injuries to Mr Cox - three fractured ribs, facial injuries and breathing problems. She admitted the attack to police.
"Mr. Cox said they had a good relationship, and that Shaw suffered from poor mental health.
"Establishing the correct level of charge was complicated.
"Only when expert reports were received could the CPS assess all the evidence and determine the correct level of charge.
"This is an incredibly sad case and the Crown Prosecution Service offers its condolences to the all the family members and friends of Steven Cox."
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