Caring son spared jail for killing mum, 89, in ‘act of mercy’

A CARER who smothered his 89-year-old mother “in an act of mercy” has been spared jail.

Kevin Pearce, 60, looked after dementia and osteoporosis sufferer Eileen Pearce for 10 years before he killed her at their home.

He then tried to take his own life before calling police to “confess”, saying: “She was in a lot of pain.”

The defendant denied murder but admitted manslaughter by diminished responsibility due to his severely depressed state.

Judge Alexia Durran yesterday sentenced Pearce to two years in jail, suspended for two years.

She told the Old Bailey it was a “tragic case”, but added: “Mercy killing is not recognised as an exemption to the law of homicide.”

The judge said Eileen was a “fiercely independent” woman who received “excellent” care from her son at their home in Bexleyheath, South East London before the defendant became “overwhelmed”.

She added: “I considered you decided death for both of you was the only solution in the incredibly sad position you found yourself. I accept your good character.

“Your actions can be characterised as an act of mercy.”

The judge also sentenced Pearce to 240 days of unpaid work and a 30-day rehabilitation requirement.

Prosecutor Jack Talbot told how Eileen was found dead in her bed on June 5, 2021.

Pain

The defendant told officers that he had put his mother “out of her suffering” by smothering her with a wet flannel.

He said: “Then I decided to kill myself but it did not work.

“I thought it was only fair if I did that to my mum. I have got nothing to live for and no one.”

Pearce, who took early retirement from a rail company to look after his mother, said in a signed note found on his chest of drawers: “I am sorry but it’s all got too much.

“Mum’s health, dementia and delirium after her recent hospital stay really has been so difficult to cope with. I did try my best. I have been her carer for many years and no one knows how hard it has been.

“Last night was just the final straw. That is not living.

“That is not my brave, beautiful, bright mum who gave up everything for her boys. I have given her release. Please forgive me. I do love her and I did my best.

“Perhaps I should have asked for help but it’s never been our way.

“It is not right for me to go on, I accept that and have no regrets.”

In his police interview, Pearce said his mum was a “tough cookie” but had been in “incredible pain”.

In a victim impact statement, Eileen’s elder sonTerry appealed for “compassion” for his brother, saying he understood the “stress” and “horror” of watching a loved one deteriorate, having cared for his wife before she died from cancer.

Katy Thorne KC, in mitigation, asked the judge to take an “unusual” course of imposing a suspended sentence, pointing out Pearce’s guilty plea and previous good character.