Sister avoids jail for manslaughter of paralysed sibling

Michelle Neill has been given a suspended prison sentence for the manslaughter of her paralysed sister, Kelly Neill. Kelly died in October 2022 from sepsis, a blood infection, which developed from severe bed sores while she was under her sister's care. The Old Bailey heard that Kelly was found in unsanitary conditions at their home in Deptford, south-east London.

Appalling conditions

Paramedics called to the property on October 20, 2022, discovered Kelly Neill, 48, in a distressed state on the living room floor. She was surrounded by decay and clutter. The court was told that there had been no visits from a GP or social services for many months prior to her death. Kelly Neill, who had been disabled since a stroke in January 2018, was taken to St Thomas' Hospital, where she died on October 23, 2022.

Family impact

Kelly Neill's son, Jake Neill-Knight, described his mother's death as having her 'dignity stripped and her body defiled'. He told the court that he had argued with his aunt about his mother's care, stating she needed to be in a care home. He added that he could not imagine how a family member could ignore someone in his mother's condition. He called his aunt's actions 'pure evil'.

Sentence suspended

Old Bailey Judge Richard Marks KC sentenced Michelle Neill, 55, to three years in prison, suspended for three years, after she admitted manslaughter by gross negligence. The judge acknowledged that Michelle Neill suffered from anxiety and depression, and stated she was 'completely unable' to care for her sister and 'incapable of seeking help'. He suspended the sentence due to her personal mitigation and the assessment that she was unlikely to reoffend.

Jennifer Dempster KC, representing Michelle Neill, stated that her client expressed 'genuine remorse' and would never forgive herself for the events.