Andrew Jones KC has prosecuted the deeply distressing case of R v Alan & Bernita Davies, resulting in both defendants being sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment for causing or allowing the death of their daughter, Steffie Davies, at Mold Crown Court.
Steffie, 32, was found dead at her home in Wrexham in May 2023 after paramedics arrived to an appalling scene. Standing 5ft 7in tall and weighing just 5st 9lbs, she was described in court as “almost skeletal”, suffering from extensive pressure sores, deep rooted infections extending into the bone and joint contractures so severe she would have been unable to eat or drink unaided. Her bedroom, in stark contrast to the rest of the clean family home, was found in an “appalling” condition.
Prosecutor Andrew Jones KC detailed the extreme neglect Steffie endured in her final months, including lying in a sodden bed, with matted hair and possible lice eggs. Expert evidence suggested the ulcers on her body had been present for at least six weeks. Despite this, her parents claimed to have checked on her periodically and only reported her death when they found her unresponsive on 26 May.
The couple admitted causing or allowing Steffie’s death.
In powerful victim impact evidence, Steffie’s sister spoke of the potential Steffie once had—studying animal care at college before her anxiety worsened—and described her death as “the most inhumane fade into insignificance”.
Sentencing, Mrs Justice Stacey told the defendants they had “not loved or cared for” their daughter and were “criminally responsible” for her death. She rejected any suggestion of remorse, noting instead the indifference and verbal abuse directed at Steffie throughout her deteriorating state. The judge highlighted that Steffie had no underlying medical conditions that would have caused such decline: “It was you, her parents — you were the problem.”
Both defendants will serve three‑quarters of their eight‑year sentences before release on licence.
Senior Investigating Officer Det Supt Sarah‑Jayne Williams described the case as “difficult to comprehend”, emphasising that a once healthy woman had been allowed to deteriorate fatally without intervention. A safeguarding review may now be considered by Wrexham council and the North Wales Safeguarding Board.
Parents jailed after daughter died in 'almost skeletal' state at Wrexham home | ITV News Wales
Wrexham parents jailed after letting 'skeletal' five-stone daughter die - BBC News