Son Given Indefinite Hospital Order for Mother's Murder
A 51-year-old man from West Ashby has been given an indefinite hospital order after being found not fit to stand trial for the murder of his 71-year-old mother, Christine Emmerson.
Tragic Incident on Kirk Close
On August 3, 2023, police received a call reporting a man had attacked a woman inside a property on Kirk Close, West Ashby. Upon arrival, officers found Christine Emmerson with multiple stab wounds to her neck and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Her son, Shaun Emmerson, was found on the conservatory roof of the property and was arrested and charged with murder two days later.
Finding of Fact Hearing
A four-day finding of fact hearing was held at Lincoln Crown Court in the week beginning July 8, 2024, which concluded that Emmerson had inflicted the injuries that led to his mother's death.
Due to a mental disability, Emmerson was found not fit to enter a plea and stand trial in criminal proceedings. Judge Simon Hirst placed an indefinite order with restriction for Emmerson to stay at a secure hospital for treatment until he is deemed fit to be released.
"In difficult circumstances, they treated Shaun Emmerson with politeness and consideration." - Clive Stockwell KC, representing Emmerson
Investigation and Commendations
Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Jen Lovatt of the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU), said:
"This is a tragic case for all those that are involved. Today's verdict means that Shaun Emmerson can be kept and treated under a hospital order until he is fit to engage in criminal proceedings. I would like to thank the family for their patience, cooperation and for the dignity that they have shown throughout the investigation so far."
Judge Hirst commended the actions of DC Cassie Knapp, PC Morgan Cobble, Sergeant Connor Ingamells, and PC Emily Horton.