Audley man convicted of killing partner in scalding hot bath

A man has been found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter after his partner died following a hot bath.

Clare Bell, 42, suffered serious scald injuries after she was helped into the tub but was unable to get herself out as she had been drinking, police said.

Mark Clowes, 53, of Audley, Staffordshire, was convicted following a trial which was held at Stafford Crown Court.

He was due to be sentenced on 2 February.

Ms Bell was helped into the bath by Clowes at about 11:00 BST on 9 August 2020 and it would have been obvious she suffered serious scald injuries when he helped her out of it, Staffordshire Police said.

He did not check on her or seek medical help for a number of hours, the force added.

Clowes called for an ambulance that evening at about 17:10 BST, on the same day, and told a paramedic he noticed her skin had shed from her feet.

Ambulance crews found Ms Bell on the couple's bed and she had died before they arrived at the scene, the force added.

The 42-year-old suffered 30% full-thickness burns which included extensive scalding to her back, bottom, thighs, feet, arms and elbows and were consistent with being in very hot bath.

A pathologist concluded the scalding contributed to her death, detectives said.

Det Ch Insp Cheryl Hannan said: "Clare should have been able to trust Mark to look after her when she was incapable. He didn't do anything for Clare until it was too late."

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