Family of Blackpool woman killed by grandson welcome investigation into death

The family of a Blackpool woman who was killed by her grandson have welcomed an investigation into her death.
By Wes Holmes
Published 13th Jul 2020, 15:45 BST
Police at the scene of the crimePolice at the scene of the crime
Police at the scene of the crime

Marlene McCabe, 71, was beaten to death by her grandson Conor Clarkson, 26, at her West Park Drive home on September 4 last year, two months after she sent a letter to the NHS begging for help with his mental health.

Coroner Alan Wilson reopened the investigation into her death last week, as the matter of Clarkson’s healthcare had not been examined during his court case.

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Medical negligence solicitor Victoria Beel, representing Mrs McCabe’s family, said: “The family is very pleased that the coroner has decided that an inquest will go ahead. They agree with comments made by the coroner that the mental health care that Conor received has not been investigated by the criminal proceedings.

“The family’s greatest wish is that the mental health services admit that they failed Conor, and if they had given him appropriate treatment Marlene would still be alive and Conor would not have to live with what happened for the rest of his life. We want lessons to be learned from what happened.”

Clarkson is currently serving indefinite detention in a medium-security hospital for manslaughter.