Arabic version: تم الحكم على مقدمة الرعاية بتهمة القتل غير العمد لوالدتها المسنّة في يوم عيد الميلاد

A Wiltshire woman has been sentenced to eight years in prison for the manslaughter of her elderly mother. Stefania Glowka, 64, pleaded guilty to the charge on the grounds of diminished responsibility, following the death of her 86-year-old mother, Tamara Glowka, on Christmas Day 2025. According to BBC News, the incident occurred after Stefania had prepared her mother’s favorite meal the night before.

The court heard that after Tamara Glowka got up to use the toilet during the night, her daughter strangled her with a belt. Following the act, Stefania attempted to take her own life but later called the police to report the crime. Judge Julian Lambert described the case as “utterly extraordinary and deeply sad,” highlighting the close bond between mother and daughter.

In a letter read to the court, Stefania expressed profound remorse for her actions, stating, “I had a shining light in my life and I extinguished it.” She acknowledged her struggles with depression, which had affected her ability to care for her mother, who suffered from schizophrenia and experienced hallucinations and psychosis.

The defense argued that Stefania was not making rational decisions at the time of the incident due to her mental health struggles. However, the prosecution contended that her actions were deliberate and planned. The court ultimately ruled that while her mental health issues contributed to the tragedy, Stefania was capable of understanding her actions. The case underscores the challenges faced by unpaid carers and the potential for tragic outcomes in such circumstances.