Helen Harrison was stabbed with a 20in kitchen knife in her own home
Helen Harrison(Image: Humberside Police/SWNS)
A violent son who viciously stabbed and strangled his 59-year-old mother in a horrific attack has been given a hospital order, with restrictions, after admitting manslaughter. Rick Parker was originally given a hospital order in February 2024 after he was ruled unfit to stand trial.
A jury decided, however, after a finding of fact hearing that he had murdered her. But the case returned to Hull Crown Court this year after Parker’s mental health improved and he was deemed capable of entering a plea.
Parker, 42, of Aspen Close, Market Weighton, admitted the manslaughter of hairdresser Mrs Harrison, on the grounds of diminished responsibility, on March 5, 2023. When the hospital order was made, restrictions were imposed as part of it with the intention of protecting the public.
A jury had previously been asked to make a decision on whether Parker committed the act of murder. He was found to have done this. Parker was also found to have committed the act of assaulting his stepfather, Mrs Harrison’s husband, causing actual bodily harm, during an earlier incident on February 19, 2023.
The prosecution claimed that Parker strangled Mrs Harrison and stabbed her in the head and chest with a 20-inch kitchen knife in her home. Parker telephoned for an ambulance and told them that his mother was lying badly injured in the hallway at their home.
She was found by police and ambulance staff. Parker was seen in the garden.
Mrs Harrison died of a stab wound to the chest and a neck injury caused by strangulation. During the earlier assault on the stepfather, Parker punched and headbutted him.
Geraldine Kelly KC, prosecuting, told the latest hearing that an ambulance crew arrived at Mrs Harrison’s home with the aim of offering help to Parker following earlier concern for him. He refused, however, and said that he did not need their help.
The ambulance crew left at 4.33pm but, within minutes, a female neighbour heard screaming. Parker made a 999 call and he said that there had been an accident and that a woman had been badly injured.
He said: “It’s not a desperate hurry. She’s pretty certainly dead. It does look quite serious. It’s definitely not salvable.”
When he was telephoned back, he said: “It’s definitely a body bag job.” The ambulance returned to the house. Mrs Harrison was found lying in the hallway.
She had been stabbed and was face down near the front door. The police also arrived.
Parker was arrested and he said: “I understand.” Mrs Harrison had a significant neck injury from strangulation and she had a broken nose and a black eye.
Mrs Harrison’s husband said in a statement: “The home we shared together now feels so empty and quiet and this makes me feel so lonely at times. I miss chatting with my wife.
“I am not looking forward to spending my life alone without my wife and companion. Nothing will ever replace Helen.”
Judge John Thackray KC told Parker: “No sentence that I can impose can undo the damage that you have caused.”
No mitigation was given in open court but reports and assessments had been provided. Parker had no previous convictions.
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