Jonas Hankin KC led Chloë Ashley in the case of a father accused of gross negligence manslaughter of his severely disabled six-year-old son.
Joseph Davidson, aged 40, was sentenced on 17th January 2025 following an earlier Guilty plea to the gross negligence manslaughter of his son, Jarmarney. Mr Davidson had left his son unattended in a bath on 1st July 2020 leading to his untimely death.
Jamarney was born extremely premature and as a result had a number of long-term health problems, including severe learning and language difficulties, severe motor delay, and microcephaly. He required wide-ranging support throughout his life. His overall developmental age was 6-12 months. He could not walk or stand unaided.
Jamarney died at the family home in West Bromwich on 1st July 2020. A police investigation followed, Family Proceedings ensued, and the case was then brought back to the attention of a specialist department at the Crown Prosecution Service.
Following detailed analysis of the evidence and advice from Leading Counsel a charge of gross negligence manslaughter was brought. Expert evidence was obtained in several disciplines including Paediatric Neurology.
The sentence was heard before Mr Justice Choudhury at Wolverhampton Crown Court. His Lordship sentenced Mr Davidson to 32 months’ imprisonment.
Jonas and Chloë were instructed by Paul Farrow of West Midlands CPS Complex Case Work Unit.