Birmingham Mum Found Guilty Over Death of Sick Son
A Birmingham woman has been convicted of causing the death of her seriously ill 12-year-old son. Tamara Thomas was found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter following the tragic death of Joshua in 2022.
Joshua’s Alarming Symptoms Ignored for Hours
Joshua suffered severe diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition with clear warning signs. Despite both parents noticing he was unwell, Tamara waited hours before calling 999. It was only after spotting her son’s lips had turned white that she sought help.
Joshua was rushed to hospital on 9 December 2022 but tragically died in the early hours of the next day.
Father Cleared of Manslaughter but Guilty of Child Cruelty
Joshua’s father, Damion Thomas, was acquitted of gross negligence manslaughter but found guilty of child cruelty. Both parents were also convicted of neglect relating to another child.
“Both parents were aware of the signs and symptoms of diabetes,” said lead investigator Vicki Harris. “Expert medical evidence showed their son’s death would have been preventable if medical attention had been sought earlier.”
“This has been an emotive investigation for everyone involved and this verdict is the result of more than three years’ work safeguarding other children and examining complex medical evidence.”
Sentencing for Tamara and Damion Thomas is due in June 2024.
