Audley man escapes jail after partner was scalded to death in bath
The woman was found with full thickness burns all over her body
Last updated 2nd Feb 2024
A man from Staffordshire has avoided jail after his partner was extensively scalded in a bath.
Mark Clowes, 53, of Audley, Staffordshire, was sentenced at Stafford Crown Court after being found guilty of the gross negligence manslaughter of 42-year-old Clare Bell.
On 9 August 2020 at 11am, Clowes gave Clare a hot bath and then helped her out of it. She was incapable as she had been drinking. It would have been obvious to Mark that Clare had suffered serious scald injuries. He later remarked to a paramedic that he saw that her skin had shed from her feet.
Clowes didn’t check on Clare for a number of hours or seek medical attention despite him being aware of her being incapable of doing this for herself. At 5.10pm, on 9 August, Clowes called 999 and asked for an ambulance. Sadly, Clare, who was found on their bed, had already died.
Clare had 30 per cent full thickness burns - extensive scalding to her back, bottom, thighs, feet, arms and elbows – consistent with being in very hot bath. The pathologist said that the scalding contributed to her death.
"He didn’t do anything for Clare until it was too late."
Detective Chief Inspector Cheryl Hannan, of the force’s Major Investigations Department, said: “Clare should have been able to trust Mark to look after her when she was incapable.
“We employed a number of different experts to determine what took place that day. As well as a forensic pathologist, we employed the services of a specialist burns expert and a toxicology expert.
“Our thoughts remain with Clare’s family.”
In summing up, the Judge said, "You have shown considerable remorse for Clare's death and are struggling with the loss of your partner"
"I accept you were under great stress at the time, and you no doubt had considerable love and care for Clare during your relationship"
Clowes has been given a two years suspended sentence. He also must complete 3 months of rehab days and sign up to an alcohol treatment plan.