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Mary Cowe prosecutes mobility scooter thief for manslaughter

30/08/2024

Kimberley Hawkins received a sentence of 6 years and 6 months on 29 August 2024 for offences including the manslaughter of Neil Shadwick. Judge HHJ Blair K.C. considered that Hawkins had been in custody since January 2023 for related offences, including taking Mr. Shadwick’s mobility scooter and assaulting him with it.

Neil Shadwick, who had young onset Parkinson’s disease, faced significant disabilities and depended on four carers daily. Hawkins had known Mr. Shadwick for many months and, as the Judge found, spent time with him to obtain money. On 22 January 2023, Hawkins went to cash points with Mr. Shadwick in the early hours and became frustrated when she couldn’t withdraw any money.

Hawkins rode away on the mobility scooter, dragging Mr. Shadwick behind for almost a minute. After he fell off, she continued driving the scooter without stopping, abandoning it when the battery started to fail. Left alone and injured in freezing temperatures, Mr. Shadwick struggled to move back towards the cash machine. He fell again and remained there for several hours before being found and taken to the hospital. He died approximately 12 hours later from aspiration pneumonia linked to hypothermia.

Mary, instructed by the Crown Prosecution Service before the manslaughter charge, directed the Prosecution and police team to obtain expert medical reports from a neurologist and an extreme cold expert to establish that Hawkins’ actions caused Mr. Shadwick’s death. Using these reports, Hawkins promptly entered a guilty plea and received her sentence on 29 August 2024.

You can read more here and view Mary’s profile

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Mary Cowe prosecutes mobility scooter thief for manslaughter

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Do barristers at Guildhall Chambers work on a “no win, no fee” basis? Can I fund my case with legal insurance?

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Do barristers at Guildhall Chambers provide their services to clients who are funded by the Legal Aid Agency?

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Mary Cowe prosecutes mobility scooter thief for manslaughter

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Frequently asked questions

How do I contact chambers and your clerks?

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How are fees calculated for different areas of work?

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Do barristers at Guildhall Chambers work on a “no win, no fee” basis? Can I fund my case with legal insurance?

Do any of the barristers at Guildhall Chambers work without requiring a fee?

Do barristers at Guildhall Chambers provide their services to clients who are funded by the Legal Aid Agency?

Do you have timescales for the services which you provide?

What will increase the level of fees to be paid on a case?

Who regulates the barristers at Guildhall Chambers?

What is the complaints procedure at Guildhall Chambers?

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