Cumbrian man jailed for mother's death dies in prison

A man who was imprisoned for his role in his mother's death has died in prison.

David Alan Holyoak was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison in March for the manslaughter of his mother Dorothy Morgan through gross negligence.

The 71-year-old from Whitehaven, Cumbria, was found severely malnourished and dehydrated at home and later died in hospital in February 2021.

The Ministry of Justice said Holyoak, 53, died in custody at HMP Berwyn in Wrexham, Wales, on September 4.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman added: “As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate the case.”

Holyoak was arrested in March along with his mother's husband, 61-year-old Robert Christopher Morgan.

Morgan was sentenced to three years in prison by Judge Suzanne Goddard KC following a trial at Carlisle Crown Court.

A pathologist said Mrs Morgan's death was due to her severe emaciation.

In their evidence, both defendants, who denied the allegations, stated that they had followed Ms Morgan's wishes not to seek medical attention.