What is gross negligence manslaughter in Kaylea Titford case?

Lloyd-Jones admitted manslaughter by gross negligence in December 2022, while Titford was found guilty of manslaughter following a three-week trial in January and February.

Today they appear before Mr Justice Martin Alexander Griffiths in Swansea Crown Court to receive their sentence. 

Alun Titford arrives at Swansea Crown Court. (Image: PA)

What is gross negligence manslaughter?

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) outlines the offence of gross negligence manslaughter (GNM) is committed where "the death is a result of a grossly negligent (though otherwise lawful) act or omission on the part of the defendant".

It follows new legislation brought in last yearhttps://t.co/cqcjRueNj8

— Powys County Times (@CountyTimes) March 1, 2023

According to The Sentencing Council the offence range for GNM is 1 to 18 years custody. But the maximum penalty that can be issued is life imprisonment. 

There is a nine-step guideline to follow when determining the final sentencing verdict. 

• Step 1: Determining the offence category

There are two main things to consider in this step - the culpability and the harm caused. 

Culpability can be low, medium, high or very high.

Factors considered for very high culpability include extreme circumstances of: if the offender continued or repeated the negligent conduct in the face of the obvious suffering caused to the deceased by that conduct; and the offence was particularly serious because the offender showed a blatant disregard for a very high risk of death resulting from the negligent conduct. 

When it comes to harm, in all cases of manslaughter, the harm caused will inevitably be of the utmost seriousness.

If loss of life is involved that is taken into account during step two.

• Step 2: Starting point and category range

Having determined the category at step one, the court will use that as a starting point for the sentencing.

Very high culpability cases can start at 12 years' custody while a low case would start at two years' custody.

The Sentencing Council added: "The starting point applies to all offenders irrespective of plea or previous convictions.

"Where a case does not fall squarely within a category, adjustment from the starting point may be required before adjustment for aggravating or mitigating features."

Additional elements are then considered, which may alter the severity of the sentencing.

Certain aggravating factors can increase the seriousness of the case. 

While things like good character, serious medical conditions, mental disorders, remorse or if there was an attempt to assist the victim can rescue the seriousness.

• Step 3: Consider any factors which indicate a reduction in assistance to the prosecution

During this step the court will take into account any factors in which the offender may receive a discounted sentence because of assiatcne given or offered to the prosecutor or investigator.

• Step 4: Reduction for guilty pleas

Sarah Lloyd-Jones arrives at Swansea Crown Court (Image: PA)

• Step 5: Dangerousness

During this step, the court will consider whether a life sentence or extended sentence is necessary. 

The Sentencing Council added: "When sentencing offenders to a life sentence under these provisions, the notional determinate sentence should be used as the basis for the setting of a minimum term."

• Step 6: Totality principle

If sentencing an offender for more than one offence, or when the offender is already serving a sentence, the court will consider whether the total sentence is just and proportionate to the overall offending behaviour in accordance with the Totality guideline.

• Step 7: Compensation and ancillary orders
• Step 8: Reasons

The court will give its reasons for, and explain the effect of the sentence. 

• Step 9: Consideration for time spent on bail (tagged curfew)

How teen Kaylea Titford died in 'squalor'

Kaylea, 16, was found dead at the family home in Newtown in October 2020.

The court heard that Kaylea, who had spina bifida and used a wheelchair, died after suffering inflammation and infection from ulceration, arising from obesity and immobility.

Emergency service workers, who were called to the house after she was found on October 10, described feeling sick due to a “rotting” smell in her room.

Following her death maggots were found which were thought to have been feeding on her body, the jury was told.

The court heard that her bedsheets were soiled and she was lying on a number of puppy toilet training pads.

Photo issued by Heddlu Dyfed Powys Police, shown in court as part of the Alun Titford trial, of the bedroom of Kaylea Titford (Image: PA)

Her room was said to be dirty and cluttered, with bottles of urine and a chip fryer with drips of fat down the side, as well as a full cake in a box.

The court heard that Kaylea had attended Newtown High School, where she was described as “funny and chatty” by staff, but did not return following the coronavirus lockdown in March 2020.