A baby has tragically died and two individuals arrested following an incident in England.

Emergency crews rushed to Long Street, Atherstone, West Midlands, this morning, Friday, September 11, at approximately 11.50am after receiving reports of a one-year-old girl in cardiac arrest.

Despite paramedics’ desperate attempts to save her life, the young child sadly passed away. A man and woman have been detained on suspicion of child neglect.

Part of Long Street remains closed off, with a significant emergency services presence still at the scene, reports Coventry Live.

A Warwickshire Police spokesperson stated: “Two arrests have been made as detectives investigate the death of a child today, 11 September.

“At around 11.50am we were called to a home in Atherstone to reports of a one-year-old girl in cardiac arrest.

“Sadly, despite us and our ambulance colleagues making every effort to save her, she passed away.

“A man and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of child neglect and they remain in custody at this time.

“There is a scene in place and a partial road closure on Long Street and we would like to thank residents for their understanding.

“We know many will find this news upsetting. Officers will be in the area for the time being – please speak with them if you have any concerns.”

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Jayden Williams, 21 and Marcus Gonzales, 42, were found to be operating a drugs line involved in the supply of heroin, crack cocaine and cocaine

Drug dealers involved in supplying wholesale quantities of heroin and crack cocaine were found in possession of calling cards which advertised their drugs line. Messages were found on their phones which revealed they were selling to downstream dealers.

Jayden Williams, 21 and Marcus Gonzales, 42, were in a car stopped by police in Bridgend on May 6 after it was found that Williams had breached a Serious Crime Prevention Order (SCPO). Inside the car were calling cards advertising a drugs line, named the “JB line”.

A sentencing hearing at Newport Crown Court on Friday heard messages found on phones belonging to the defendants revealed they were involved in supplying wholesale quantities of heroin, crack cocaine and cocaine.

Prosecutor Abdallah Barakat said Gonzales was operating under the name of Mark Griffiths, and was in conversation with Williams about supplying half ounce deals of class A drugs. Don’t miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here

The messages contained recognised terms relating to drugs including “dark” and “white”.

One message sent from Williams to Gonzales read: “I’ll smash you out now, I’m not giving my number out to some crack head to f*** it up”.

Mr Barakat said Williams had overall authority over the JB line with Gonzales also playing a leading role.

The JB line was used by downstream suppliers to purchase drugs to supply to street users.

Williams, of no fixed abode, and Gonzales, of Broadway, Cardiff, later pleaded guilty to three counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

In mitigation, Alice Sykes for Williams said her client had been recalled to prison after breaching the SCPO and would not receive a reduction to his sentence for the time he has already served.

Adam Sharp, for Gonzales, said his client was a drug addict and has problems with his mental health including anxiety and depression. The barrister said the defendant was lower in the chain than his co-defendant.

Judge Williams sentenced Williams to five years imprisonment.

Gonzales was sentenced to five years and seven months imprisonment.

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Yasin Leli, 46, of Hardman Street, Blackburn, is charged with the murder of Fatima Leli and Ismail Leliat their home address.

After being charged by police with killing the couple, who were married for more than 60 years and described as “inseparable”, he made his first appearance at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court earlier today.

Yasin Leli, who spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address, was sent in custody to Preston Crown Court, where he is next due to appear on Tuesday, September 15.

Police were called to Hardman Street on Monday morning, where they found 80-year-old Ismail Ahmed Leli and 78-year-old Fatma Leli with stab injuries.

Both were pronounced dead at the scene, and their son was arrested on suspicion of murder at the address.

The incident caused police to set up a large cordon in Hardman Street and in neighbouring Stansfeld Street, while officers carried out enquiries.

Family and other residents in the area were offered support at the Masjid-e-Quwwatul Islam in Stansfeld Street, while St Luke’s Church also gave help to people affected in the area.

Tributes were paid to the couple, with a family statement reading: “On behalf of our entire family, we are heartbroken to share that we have lost our parents, the oldest and most cherished members of our family.

“Married and inseparable for more than 60 years, they were the very heart of who we are – devoted to one another, loved by everyone who knew them.

“Their loss left a void that words cannot describe, and we are still coming to terms with what has happened.

“At this incredibly difficult time, we wish to express our deepest gratitude to the police for their diligence, professionalism and compassion.

“We are also grateful to our local councillors and to the wider community, whose kindness and support have meant a great deal to us.”

‘Oh no, the ceremony!’

I jumped naked out of the tiny single bed I was squashed into with a naked man named Rory*, and ran to the bathroom.

In the distance, I could hear the faint sounds of people gathering.

‘The wedding!’ I ran back in the room and yelled at Rory who was in a frozen state of confusion and shock, before grabbing my dress and leaping back into the bathroom.

This isn’t the beginning of a Hugh Grant rom com, it was how I attended my friend’s wedding in a villa in Lake Como, Italy: late, after having shagged the best man’s brother who I had just met days before.

It was absurd and embarrassing, and I haven’t lived it down since.

When I got to Italy on a flight with four other friends, the last thing I was thinking was to get laid. I had just my friend Sharon* on my mind – her wedding meant her rules. Luckily, she was one organised bride, so I didn’t have to do much to help.

While I was a good friend, I didn’t quite make the cut for bridesmaid, which I was quite happy about, after seeing them run around with clipboards for the next three days.

Sharon had decided on a destination wedding – Lake Como was all the rage at the time and was full of beautiful villas to marry in. She chose a large estate with enough rooms to house the 40 people attending the wedding, over four days.

The ceremony would be on day two, leaving us one extra day for recovery. We were, after all a chaotic bunch, having all met at the local pub over 10 years prior.

And it was a glorious wedding that culminated in lots of hilarious stories.

One being my dalliance with the best man’s brother Rory.

When I first placed eyes on him, I thought he was cute. Beyond that, I didn’t think much – as I said, I hadn’t even considered getting with anyone, I just wanted to have fun with my friends.

But he evidently thought I was cute too, because the night we all arrived, drinking by the pool, he came and sat next to me, asking me what felt like hundreds of questions about my life.

He wanted to know what I did for a living, how old I was, if I had any pets, what I thought of dogs. Big dogs. He told me he had two big dogs.

I looked over at Sharon by question 12, and she smiled back winking.

I guess that was it – I was going to have to sleep with him.

That night, we were the last ones standing and shared a kiss by the silent pool, giggling. One thing led to another, and after all the wine we managed to down, we ended up having sex by the pool. 

It was quick and dangerous. While people had gone to bed, the villa was still awake, with bedroom lights on and voices echoing across the lawns.

I said goodnight after and went to bed in a room I was sharing with a friend at the time. As I crept in she turned on the light demanding to know all details of what had happened.

‘You had sex didn’t you?’, she said, smiling at me.

‘Yes!’ I fell to the bed laughing. It was the start of my holiday romance, and I was excited.

The next day, we set up for the ceremony – the bridesmaids were like headless chickens, frowning at everything they saw, losing clipboards and taking one too many ciggie breaks to calm down.

I had woken up late with a hangover and was very little help.

So while they did that, I slipped away with Rory and we went for a cute walk. To his room. And had sex. This was the full extent of our relationship, and while I wanted to do more – go on romantic dates and get to know him – we had limited time.

But we had obviously fallen asleep because I was awoken to the sound of music and people gathering on the villa terrace.

It hit me – the ceremony was starting, and we were still in bed.

After jumping out of bed and telling Rory to get his clothes on, I walked very quickly from his room to mine.

I had an estimated five minutes to get ready, and I was nowhere near presentable.

I threw on the new dress I had bought for the wedding and the heels that I feared were too big. Brushed my hair, applied as much makeup as possible and ran out of my room – after taking off and holding my massive heels.

As I ran to the ceremony, Sharon had already walked down the aisle. I couldn’t believe I missed it. Looking behind me, I see Rory struggling with his bowtie, half running, half skipping to the front seats. 

He stands up quickly, does up his fly and sits back down as people around him giggle.

I grab a seat in the back and lock eyes with Sharon. After attempting to mime a ‘sorry’, she bursts out laughing and winks at me.

Luckily, she didn’t care, but obviously everyone knew why I was late.

I looked over at the friend next to me: ‘how obvious was it?’ I asked.

‘You might as well have been having sex with him at the altar’, he whispered back at me.

Nervously giggling, I melted into my seat and enjoyed the rest of the ceremony. Everything else went smoothly and Rory and I continued our holiday romance – this time, we didn’t hide it.

When the wedding was over, Rory and I said goodbye, promising to chat when we got back – me to London, him to Edinburgh. 

But we never did. It didn’t matter, he’s still in my life. Every time I’m late to something, my friends always quip: ‘Having sex with Rory were you?’

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing izzie.price@metro.co.uk. 

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An operation targeting crime and anti-social behaviour in Newport city centre was launched in July

Police have made 241 arrests during an operation targeting crime and anti-social behaviour in Newport city centre. Operation Krypton was launched in July by Gwent Police in partnership with Newport City Council and other organisations, including Hedyn following concerns raised by residents and business owners of intimidating and criminal behaviour.

The arrests have involved a range of offences, including burglary, shoplifting, drug supply and disorderly behaviour, according to police. Officers say 11 people classed as repeat offenders have been arrested at least twice during the operation.

Police have also carried out drug warrants, recovered stolen vehicles and seized £9,000 worth of property they believe is connected to criminal activity.

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A total of 18 reported commercial burglaries in the city have been detected since July, police said.

The operation has also involved more than a dozen activities carried out with partner organisations to address crime and anti-social behaviour.

Among those dealt with by the courts are Mohammed Salam and Nicole Clarke, who were jailed for burglary and theft offences committed in Newport city centre.

Sam Mulligan was also imprisoned for theft.

Superintendent Esyr Jones, of Gwent Police’s Neighbourhood Policing team, said officers would continue to target offences in the city centre.

He said this included breaches of Public Spaces Protection Orders covering issues such as street drinking and begging.

“Where we identify offences, including Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) breaches for street drinking and begging in the city centre, we will take appropriate action,” he said.

Police said high-visibility patrols would continue in areas affected by crime and disorder.

Residents are being encouraged to sign up to Neighbourhood Matters, a community messaging service, to provide feedback about local policing priorities.

Suspicious activity can be reported to Gwent Police on 101, through its social media channels or online.

Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

People should call 999 if a crime is in progress or there is an immediate emergency.

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The story of marriage’s declining fortunes has been gathering momentum for a while now. Divorce is commonplace, romcoms keep disappointing, and according to the 2021 census, the majority of adults in the UK are choosing, for the first time since records began, not to get married at all.

Having rejected an institution that has been a bastion of privilege for some, and a source of inequality and injustice for others, lots of people are experimenting with alternatives to the norms and expectations of matrimony, monogamy and family.

The real question, then, isn’t why so many people aren’t marrying – although there has a been a lot of hand-wringing over the fallout from women’s financial independence and changing practices around cohabitation and child rearing.

But it’s more interesting to consider why lots of other people – including liberal, secular, queer and divorced people – are still choosing to get married. What explains this ongoing attachment to the world’s oldest framework for union?

Puzzling over this while researching my book On Marriage, I asked a bunch of spouses what had motivated them to tie their knots. Bizarrely for such a consequential decision, most appeared genuinely flummoxed by my question, offering me hunches rather than answers. Erm, security? Children? Taxes? Stability? Peer pressure? Love?

Those who had long maintained a critical stance towards an institution they viewed as intrinsically patriarchal, yet had still wound up inside it, tended to offer me excuses. They did it for their parents, work, visas, kids, money, convenience. Who doesn’t want an excuse for a big party?

Marriage turned out to be a weird topic of conversation. On the one hand, it was a theme so hackneyed as to provoke eyerolls and yawns. On the other, its mere mention appeared to be triggering.

While everybody implied they knew what they thought about it, most sounded like they hadn’t really thought about it. Many who had committed themselves to marriage appeared to have wandered into their married lives more or less absent-mindedly.

Perhaps there’s no other way. Marriage, after all, is an extraordinary proposal: a commitment, made before witnesses, to stick with somebody until death. Who fully comprehends such an act in advance?

It’s especially strange in a predominantly secular society. Until the late 20th century, marriage in the UK was mostly undertaken to fulfil a sacred covenant, receive God’s blessing, and reflect a divine relationship.

But in 1992, civil ceremonies overtook religious ones. Today in the UK, six in ten people aged 16 to 34 identify with no religion, according to the latest British Social Attitudes survey. Yet religion doesn’t seem to have been entirely withdrawn from the institution either.

I was once granted a licence in the US state of Massachusetts to become a “one-day solemniser”. I temporarily had the power to officiate at the wedding of two people, neither of whom wanted a religious ceremony. “Solemnising” – meaning to perform or celebrate an official ceremony – seemed a suitably neutral word.

However, the ceremony did not feel altogether unreligious – perhaps because marriage is a place where modern secular culture has quietly absorbed many of the dreams and values we associate with religion.

Cultural anthropologist Ernest Becker wrote in The Denial of Death that without God, many seek meaning, salvation and sanctuary in romance. So you might say we can see this in the language around marriage. Oaths become “vows”, faith becomes “fidelity”, eternity becomes “forever”. The afterlife becomes the “happy ever after”.

Indeed, facing the perilous future that lies before us today, it’s little wonder if people cling to an institution promising love, commitment and salvation for the long term – even if they’ve no particular interest in what marriage meant to their grandparents.

This article features references to books that have been included for editorial reasons, and may contain links to bookshop.org. If you click on one of the links and go on to buy something, The Conversation UK may earn a commission.

Ghosts in Sweden? It sounds strange to place the supernatural in a country of health-conscious, pragmatic engineers. But even though Swedes readily accept modernity, their popular culture hints at something else.

From the outside, Sweden appears to be a secular nation. The country has an exceptionally high number of non-believers, who engage in and identify with cultural rather than spiritual religious expressions. They will happily decorate a Christmas tree and prepare a traditional Christmas Eve dinner, for example, but may stop short of going to a church service.

This is connected to the perception of Sweden (often promoted by Swedes themselves) as modern, advanced, and rational. Yet in reality, various forms of spirituality – including a belief in ghosts – are common. As much as 41% of the population admits to believing in some paranormal activities. Ghost stories intersect with folk beliefs, modernity and mass media in a way that remains visible across Swedish society.

Research suggests that institutionalised religion has mostly been replaced by secularisation in western countries, including Sweden. But at the same time, technological advances seem to increase interest in folk beliefs.

We think we know Sweden – a peaceful nation grounded in social democracy, natural beauty, IKEA and Abba. But in 2026, is this still the real Sweden? The Conversation UK has teamed up with its Swedish partner universities for a series of articles examining why this small nation remains so fascinating.

Over the period of industrialisation of the 19th century, there was a corresponding rise in spiritualism, mediums and seances – complete with moving tables and flickering candles.

Novel machinery and this new, rational approach to the world actually appears to have made life harder for people to comprehend. In other words, the industrial revolution, with all its scientific breakthroughs, did not suddenly explain what it meant to be human. And 150 years later, ghost stories still apparently help many Swedes cope with life.

Sweden modernises

From the 19th century onwards, as Swedes grew accustomed to affluence and admiration from abroad (for their industry, economic growth, social security and equality), a stereotype developed. Ethnologist Åke Daun wrote that Swedes were characterised by “cleanliness, quietness, industriousness and modernity”.

And it’s true that Swedes like to think of themselves that way. They like to follow science-backed trends around exercising and diet, for example. And they see themselves as secular – superstition has been replaced by sound scientific advice.

But something twitched under the surface and ghosts re-entered the national psyche. Finnish folklorist Lauri Honko made an interesting observation that ghosts are in fact an empirical phenomenon. You hear something, feel a cold spot, see a shadow.

This empirical evidence may have given Swedes the reassurance they needed to embrace documentaries about the paranormal. This genre shows troublesome ghosts being challenged by mediums, and modern-day ghost stories are told through TV that familiarise viewers with the idea of the supernatural. Viewers see how to deal with these phenomena in a regular Swedish home.

Swedish paranormal documentary Det Okända (The Unknown) is one such example. When I first moved to Sweden in 2009 I found the show by accident and was surprised that it was not a Ghostbusters-type show. Mediums translated strange noises, headaches and scared children into logical patterns and rational explanations.

The ghosts did not seem to have any strong agendas. Rather, they tuned into the fears and worries of the property owners. People seemed to question whether their homes – their sacred spaces – could become unsafe by something they could not control. The show was a hit – running for 29 seasons and 318 episodes.

Of course, popular culture is an important barometer of public mood, and TV documentaries about the paranormal are a global phenomenon. But ghost shows on Swedish TV introduce everyday citizens to a troubling spirit, and a range of professional mediums to deal with them. Courses are offered in communicating with the undead.

Ghost stories carry meanings. They can be entertainment, but they also show that the folk beliefs that were supposed to have disappeared have found new ways of living on.

Mystical meetings offer the possibility of finding something that’s missing. They also promise an element of control over the human fears that modernity did not rationalise. Swedes do not question modernity or science, but supplement them with their engineer-like version of the paranormal. Swedish ghosts seem to represent all the uncontrollable in the everyday.

Together, Ian and Derek provide an important link between Cowburn’s past and present, helping to preserve the local knowledge, personal service and family values built over generations.

A family connection spanning generations

Cowburn Funeral Service was founded by John Cowburn in 1905. A joiner and builder by trade, John made coffins in his workshop alongside window frames, staircases and doors. Handwritten records show that he arranged his first funeral in November that year.

Albert Worthington joined Cowburn as an apprentice joiner in 1922. He showed a natural aptitude for funeral directing and went on to become John’s business partner, taking control of the business following John’s retirement.

Albert’s son John later joined the business after leaving school in 1955. Together with his wife Lois, he continued the family’s commitment to serving the people of Westhoughton.

That commitment remains at the heart of Cowburn Funeral Service today. For Ian and Derek, its history is more than a name above the door—it represents a longstanding responsibility to treat local families with kindness, dignity and respect.

Personal funerals shaped around each family

(Image: Cowburn Funeral Services)

Cowburn combines its proud heritage with the choices and flexibility families expect from a modern funeral service.

Its telephone is answered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with Cowburn’s caring and experienced team available to provide support and guidance whenever it is needed.

The team has extensive knowledge of the churches, cemeteries and crematoria in Westhoughton and the surrounding areas. This local experience helps Cowburn provide a professional yet sensitive service shaped around each family.

Cowburn can help arrange burials, cremations, attended funerals and simple unattended services. Families can also receive guidance about personal touches, including music, readings, flowers, funeral vehicles and orders of service.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach. The team takes the time to listen, understand what matters and help each family arrange a fitting and personal farewell.

Planning ahead, your way

Cowburn Funeral Service also offers The Independent Way, a bespoke pre-paid funeral plan provided by Golden Charter.

The Independent Way allows each person to create a plan around their own choices, selecting the funeral director’s services they would like to include.

Personal preferences, such as music, readings and other meaningful details, can also be recorded within the plan. The Cowburn team will explain the available options, what is included and any other costs that may need to be considered.

The cost of the funeral director’s services selected and included in the plan is fixed at today’s prices. An allowance may also be included towards third-party costs, such as crematorium, burial or officiant’s fees. These costs may not be fully covered, and an additional payment could be required when the funeral takes place.

A range of payment options is available, subject to eligibility. There is no pressure or obligation—just clear information, thoughtful guidance and time to consider the choices.

Appointments can take place at Cowburn Funeral Service on King Street or, if preferred, a member of the team can visit someone in the comfort of their own home.

Tributes and lasting ways to remember

Families looking for a personal way to remember someone can also visit Cowburn’s online Tribute & Remembrance Shop.

The shop offers urns for cremated remains, keepsake urns, ashes jewellery and urns for much-loved pets. Families can explore the collection privately and in their own time, helping them find a meaningful way to keep the memory of someone special close.

The collection can be viewed through Cowburn’s online Tribute & Remembrance Shop.

Anyone who would like to meet Ian, Derek and the Cowburn team, look around the funeral home or simply ask a question is always welcome to call in.

Cowburn Funeral Service, 1 King Street, Westhoughton, Bolton BL5 3AX

www.cowburnfunerals.co.uk

The nephew of two British 9/11 victims told the Mirror how he was just 15 when they died and said they were ‘still loved’ – 67 British people died on September 11

On the 25th anniversary of 9/11 a group of loved ones, officials and activists gathered for a poignant ceremony to remember all the victims who died, including the 67 British citizens.

The intimate gathering was held next to a memorial sculpture made from steel that fell from the World Trade Center on September 11, which now stands at London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Friday’s event, hosted by the UK charity Since 9/11, heard heartbreaking stories from 25 years ago but also called on the importance of keeping the 2001 tragedy in our memories.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham, in a video address, told the ceremony that: “We will never forget these terrible events, but we refuse to be defined by them.”

The PM emphasised the strength of the bond between the UK and US 25 years on, saying: “Time may pass, but I know the grief is still felt just as deeply today. On this anniversary, we must remember that hatred and fear did not have the last word on 9/11.”

Those touched closely by the tragedy of 9/11 were also present at the solemn anniversary ceremony, including Liam McKenna who lost his uncle and aunt.

Liam’s uncle Michael Egan, 51, had moved from Hull to the US eight years before the attack and worked at the professional services firm Aon. Michael’s sister Christine Egan, 55, had been a nurse in Canada and was visiting her brother in New York at the time.

The two Britons were on the 103rd floor and both sadly died during the attack. Liam, speaking to the Mirror, shared how he heard the heartbreaking news as a teenager and said: “I remember I was 15 years old and I had heard the news story on the radio and I heard about planes hitting a tower somewhere in America, and it all seemed very distant to me.

“I remember going down to where my parents were, and they had it on the news there and I remember distinctly my mum saying to me, ‘your uncle Mike works in that tower’. And very quickly it changed from being this distant news story to being this personal family tragedy.”

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Despite living across the pond, Liam said his aunt and uncle used to visit and stayed close with the family. He said: “They always had time for the family, always had time for me as a young boy and my little brother.” Liam remembered Christine and Michael saying “I just really distinctly remember how kind they were.” He added: “They are still well loved.”

Christian Fisher was 13 years old when he survived the 7/7 Tavistock Square bombing, which was near his school. He told the Mirror that on 9/11 he was with his American friend at London Zoo whose dad was at the World Trade Center when the attack happened.

He said: “We didn’t know what was happening in terms of 9/11 but I remember him being very anxious, frightened and being completely powerless to do anything about the situation.” Christian shared that the dad survived the attack but also that he and his childhood pal are still friends 25 years on.

Christian told the Mirror: “One thing I have learnt from over the years, not just from my attack and meeting some survivors of 7/7, but survivors of many attacks including 9/11 is that grief is certainly not an exclusive emotion to have, it is a universal thing.

“There are many ways people can bond although I think shared experiences, surviving a terrorist attack, witnessing being bereaved is such a powerful way to really be understood by someone else.” Fisher helped to set up the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism.

The former National Lead of counter terror policing, Neil Basu QPM, told the Mirror the world was “more dangerous” and argued that intelligence would always be put above politics.

Mr Basu said: “The world is probably more dangerous than it’s ever been, not less dangerous. That is the sobering thing here today.” He added that “America will always be our closest intelligence partner”, adding: “In terms of our operating capability together, we will always put that over and above national interest politics.”

In his speech Mr Basu said: “Our fight is to recognise our common humanity and to teach every child what that phenomenal MP Jo Cox taught us all, that we have far more in common than that which divides us, may she rest in peace. If we fail to listen to her, Bin Laden has won.”

The 56-year-old described his mother as a ‘stubborn old woman’ in a call with ambulance staff

A man has been jailed for manslaughter after leaving his elderly mother on the floor for two weeks after a fall.

Stewart Irwin was given six and a half years in jail after failing to get help for his mother Veronica whom he lived with in Rydal Street, Carlisle.

The 56-year-old was found guilty of the offence following a trial at Carlisle Crown Court and sentenced on Friday (11 September).

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The trial heard Irwin’s mother died on July 28, 2023. That day, he had called the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) to say that his mother had fallen in the wet room and refused to get up.

Mr Irwin went on to explain his mother had been on the floor for two weeks and had been refusing food and help, describing her as “one of those stubborn old women”. However, he had decided to finally call for an ambulance as her skin had turned blue.

He also went on to say during the call “I could have killed her myself” before adding: “Ah, I don’t want to say that.”

Four paramedics attended the address and, on arrival, initially thought his mother was already dead due to the state of neglect she was in, including severe pressure sores and the presence of an insect infestation.

When Irwin was asked by paramedics why he had waited so long to call he told them she would not let him call for help.

When police arrived, Irwin told them his mother always told him not to call anyone, telling officers: “I said you want an ambulance and she said no, no, no.” His mother was taken to hospital but died that evening.

Following a post-mortem examination, the cause of death was found to be hypothermia and neglected pressure ulcers.

Irwin was interviewed by police twice following his mother’s death. Both times he refused to answer questions, giving “no comment” responses.

Outside court, Detective Constable Emma Armstrong from Cumbria Police, 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,” she added. “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.”