Jason Turner sentenced to 10 years in prison and 3.5 years extended licence for manslaughter

Merseyside Police is welcoming the sentencing of a Huyton man to 10 years in prison and three and a half years on extended licence for the manslaughter of his adoptive mother last November.

37-year-old Jason Turner from Warwick Road was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court today, Friday 30 November 2018 after admitting the offence.

At around 3am on Wednesday 22 November, Merseyside Police were contacted by hospital staff reporting concerns for 62-year-old Valerie Turner, who was brought into hospital around 1.30am following a suspected cardiac arrest at a house in Byrom Close. Valerie was found to have suffered injuries to her jaw, abdomen and legs caused by Jason Turner, and was sadly pronounced deceased around 8am.

Jason Turner was initially arrested on suspicion of murder and released under investigation. He was later charged with manslaughter and the assault of his adoptive father Peter, for which he received an eight-month extended sentence.

Detective Chief Inspector John Griffith said: "We welcome the sentence of Jason Turner today and the length of the custodial sentence. This tragic case followed years of physical and emotional abuse against his adoptive parents, ultimately resulting in the assaults on Peter and tragic manslaughter of Valerie.

“Although nothing can bring Valerie back, we hope the sentence will give her family and friends a chance to begin the healing process.

"I want to reassure members of our communities that Merseyside Police is committed to tackling domestic abuse in all its forms and we have dedicated and specially trained officers who respond to incidents of domestic abuse, investigate incidents and provide support to those in need.

"Domestic abuse can happen to anyone at any time regardless of gender, age and sexuality. It is important for people to recognise when it is happening to them and those around them, and know that confidential support and advice is available to those that need it."

For more information about how to report domestic violence or to seek specialist support call the confidential 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247. This helpline is free and run in partnership by Refuge and Women's Aid. People can also call Merseyside Police on 101 or if they are in immediate danger call 999.