Woman admits manslaughter of terminally ill father

Lisa Davenport, characterized as a “devoted daughter,” has confessed to the manslaughter of her father, Barrie Davenport, who was terminally ill, at his retirement residence. She utilized a pillow to suffocate him at Foxhall Court in Banbury on October 17, 2022. During proceedings at Oxford Crown Court, she entered a plea of not guilty to murder but admitted guilt to manslaughter, citing diminished responsibility. John Price KC, representing the prosecution, accepted this plea and informed the court that the defendant possessed a “history of devoted care for her father.” The court was informed that Mr. Davenport received a diagnosis of terminal cancer in August 2022 and was anticipated to pass away naturally “imminently” by October. Mr. Price stated that on the day of Mr. Davenport’s death, he was experiencing “considerable pain” and was notably “agitated.” He remarked, “It was in that context that [the defendant ] took his life.” He further explained that, owing to her father’s medical state, there was initially “no suspicion” regarding his demise, until his daughter “confessed independently” to two distinct individuals that she had smothered her father with a pillow. Mary Prior KC, who is representing the defendant, concurred with Mr. Price’s statements. She additionally emphasized that the 55-year-old individual “bore the responsibility” of providing care for her father. Ms. Prior informed the court, “It was she who was trying to get him into a position where he was pain free, or he could at least cope with.” Lisa Davenport, residing in Middleton Cheney, Northamptonshire, displayed emotion in the dock during the hearing, with family members present in the public gallery offering support. The court subsequently heard evidence indicating that the defendant had a history of mental health struggles. Mr. Price informed the court that three psychologists concluded her capacity for rational action was “substantially impaired” at the time of her father’s passing. She had previously been acquitted of a distinct attempted murder charge in 2023, following the prosecution’s decision to offer no evidence. Judge Mr. Justice Linden mandated the preparation of a pre-sentencing report in advance of a sentencing hearing scheduled for February 7. He further stated that the defendant would continue on conditional bail until that specified date.