MAN SENTENCED TO INDEFINITE HOSPITAL ORDER FOR MOTHER'S DEATH

Simon Carter, 50, was sentenced to an indefinite section 37 hospital order with a section 41 restriction under the Mental Health Act 1983 after pleading guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility. Carter killed his mother Gwyneth Carter, 72, at her home on Pearson Street in Macclesfield on 12 July 2025. He had made an unannounced visit to enquire about his father and was told by Gwyneth that his father had died two years earlier. Carter left after a 10-15 minute visit but returned to kill his mother, who suffered multiple injuries to the head and neck.

Gwyneth's sister Janis became concerned after failing to receive responses to texts and calls over the following days. On 18 July, Janis visited the property and alerted a neighbour, leading to the discovery of Gwyneth's body. Carter was arrested on 20 July 2025 after what investigating officers described as "extremely strong forensic evidence" placed him at the scene through his DNA and footwear. He had been living in Torquay at the time of his arrest and had been estranged from his mother for 19 years. A plea of manslaughter by diminished responsibility was accepted following "strong medical evidence" that showed he had undiagnosed mental health issues.

Carter appeared before Chester Crown Court on 20 July 2026 and has remained detained under the Mental Health Act since his arrest. Gwyneth's family issued a tribute describing her as a "strong lady with a laugh you could not forget" who was well known locally for playing darts competitively and was protective of those she loved.