Skeletal Body of 32-Year-Old Woman Found with Ulcers as Parents Admit ‘Woefully Inadequate’ Care

A mother and father have been arrested for causing or allowing the death of their daughter by neglecting her health for an extended period of time.

Alan Davies and Bernita Davies, both 60, of Bluebell Estate, Pandy, Wrexham, allegedly left Steffie Davies, 32, in a severely neglected state. Her cause of death was later confirmed as sepsis from infected pressure ulcers, very low body weight, and poor nutritional status.

The parents appeared at Mold Crown Court on March 19 and were sentenced to eight years in prison. They must serve two thirds of the sentence in custody before being released on licence, according to the North Wales Police.

The couple both previously denied a charge of manslaughter and causing or allowing the death of a vulnerable adult. However, in January this year, they pleaded guilty to the charges.

On May 26, 2023, Bernita Davies called an ambulance shortly after 8:30 a.m. claiming her daughter had died.

Paramedics found her in an abhorrent condition and immediately reported the death to police, expressing concerns that Steffie had passed away earlier than reported, according to a press release from the North Wales Police.

Alan and Bernita Davies were taken into custody immediately.

Her medical records revealed she was not known to mental health or social services, and no medical attention had been sought despite her deteriorating condition.

“The conditions in which Steffie Davies was found were abhorrent and sadly indicated neglect over a prolonged period,” Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Sarah-Jayne Williams said.

“It is difficult to comprehend that a once fit and healthy woman had been able to deteriorate to the point of death, with no intervention from her mother and father, who she resided with at the time and would have been fully aware of her deteriorating condition,” she added.

Both Alan and Bernita Davies have acknowledged that the care they provided their daughter was woefully inadequate, which led to her tragic and avoidable death.

“I would like to thank my investigation team for the exceptional work they have carried out, through what has been a particularly distressing and complex investigation. My thoughts and condolences remain with Steffie’s wider family,” Williams added.

In a tribute to Steffie, her sister said: “I have lots of happy childhood memories with my sister.”

“I can remember when our Nan looked after us in the school holidays, we would make up dances together to Abba songs. We both loved setting up our Nans table with tablecloths, napkins and paper cups to eat our dinner,” she added.

Steffie’s sister claimed as she got older, Steffie struggled with social situations. “She loved animals and went to Northop college to study an Animal Care Course and did really well. She had so much potential but needed the right encouragement and support, which she simply did not get. As time went on her anxiety grew and she found it hard to leave the house,” she shared.

She reminisced about the time Steffie attended her wedding in 2015. “I remember feeling so happy that she had come. I feel lucky that Steffie shared that day with me and that I have photos of her smiling and happy that I can look back at now to remember her,” she said.

“She could have done so much with her life. Instead, she was left to fade into insignificance in the most inhumane way possible. No sentence that can be given will ever be able to atone that,” she added.