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Man admits trying to kill mother Man admits trying to kill mother
(1 day later)
A man has been told he faces a lengthy prison sentence after he admitted trying to kill his elderly mother by turning down the central heating.A man has been told he faces a lengthy prison sentence after he admitted trying to kill his elderly mother by turning down the central heating.
Stephen Office, 48, found his mother Margaret, 74, at the bottom of stairs in the home they shared in North Shields, in December 2007.Stephen Office, 48, found his mother Margaret, 74, at the bottom of stairs in the home they shared in North Shields, in December 2007.
But instead of alerting the emergency services, he turned down the heating and left her, hoping she would die.But instead of alerting the emergency services, he turned down the heating and left her, hoping she would die.
He admitted attempted murder at Newcastle Crown Court.He admitted attempted murder at Newcastle Crown Court.
Mrs Office, who was also known as Stella, later died in hospital from head injuries.Mrs Office, who was also known as Stella, later died in hospital from head injuries.
Murder trialMurder trial
The prosecution alleged Office had, on 2 December, deliberately pushed or punched his elderly mother down the stairs, causing fatal head injuries.The prosecution alleged Office had, on 2 December, deliberately pushed or punched his elderly mother down the stairs, causing fatal head injuries.
The court heard that Mrs Office had, a few days before the alleged attack, suffered another fall for which she had received medical treatment.The court heard that Mrs Office had, a few days before the alleged attack, suffered another fall for which she had received medical treatment.
However, after reviewing expert medical evidence, the prosecution accepted that it could not be proven that the fatal injuries had been caused by Office.However, after reviewing expert medical evidence, the prosecution accepted that it could not be proven that the fatal injuries had been caused by Office.
Prosecutor Robert Woodcock said that under those circumstances the Crown had decided to accept Office's plea to attempted murder and would not be seeking a murder trial.Prosecutor Robert Woodcock said that under those circumstances the Crown had decided to accept Office's plea to attempted murder and would not be seeking a murder trial.
James Goss QC, defending, added: "There is an acceptance that upon discovering his mother having fallen down the stairs, he made the conscious decision to do nothing, leaving her there and later turning the heating down."James Goss QC, defending, added: "There is an acceptance that upon discovering his mother having fallen down the stairs, he made the conscious decision to do nothing, leaving her there and later turning the heating down."
Judge John Milford adjourned sentence for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.Judge John Milford adjourned sentence for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.
Office, of St Stephen's Way, North Shields, was remanded in custody until sentencing at a date to be fixed.Office, of St Stephen's Way, North Shields, was remanded in custody until sentencing at a date to be fixed.