Thirsk woman jailed for murder of terminally ill man
A Thirsk woman has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of a terminally ill man at a care home in Sowerby.
A Thirsk woman has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of a terminally ill man at a care home in Sowerby.
Heather Pauline Davidson, 54, of Sowerby Road, Thirsk, previously pleaded guilty at Teesside Crown Court to murdering 81-year-old David Paterson at Sowerby House care home in February.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Dave Ellis, of North Yorkshire Police’s Major Crime Unit, said: “Our thoughts remain with Mr Paterson’s family who have had to endure the intrusion of a criminal investigation at an already distressing time in their lives.
“Heather Davidson has claimed her motivation for murdering David Paterson was mercy killing, however in the eyes of the law and David’s family, her actions were murder.
“David Paterson was a deeply religious man who had made his peace with God in anticipation of his death due to terminal illness. The dignity he should have had in meeting death on his own terms, was taken away from him by a woman he trusted as a friend and whom he had helped in the past.
“David’s family have had to deal with the trauma caused by Heather Davidson, when instead they should have been able to grieve normally and celebrate their uncle’s life.”