Mum remanded over alleged mercy killing of son at Sawbridgeworth nursing home

By Eleanor Scotchbrook

A WOMAN has been charged with murdering her son at a care home in Sawbridgeworth.

Police were called to Gardens Neuro Centre, High Wych Road, on Friday afternoon after the death of Thomas Inglis from Dagenham in east London.

Frances Anne Inglis, of Maxey Road, Dagenham, appeared before Hatfield magistrates today. Monday, November 24, and was remanded in custody until December 9 pending a preliminary hearing at St Albans Crown Court.

The court heard that the 56-year-old was on bail and awaiting trial for an alleged previous attempt to kill her son, who was being treated for head injuries after an accident.

Prosecutor Victoria Marriott described Thomas's alleged murder as a "mercy killing" and that his mother had "expressed she wanted to assist her son to die and then kill herself".

No application for bail was made at today's hearing on the grounds that Inglis may abscond or commit further offences. Concerns were also expressed over her state of mind and health.

Gardens Neuro Centre is a 52-bed neurological services centre on the Rivers Hospital site.

It provides 24-hour nursing care and therapy services for adults with complex neurological conditions.

According to the Ramsay Neurological Services website, Gardens Neuro Unit and the 60-bed Jacobs Neuro Unit, on the same site, "assist recovery wherever possible and specilise in slow stream rehabilitation. Empahsis is placed on maximising each individuals abilities, comfort and quality of life".

Residents at the two homes have access to the facilities at the private Rivers Hospital.