Woman admits manslaughter after riding away on mobility scooter, leaving owner in freezing temperatures
Kimberley Ann Hawkins rode away on a mobility scooter belonging to Neil Shadwick, who was found dead in freezing temperatures in a Tesco car park in Stroud, Gloucestershire.
Thursday 20 June 2024 16:55, UK
A woman has admitted the manslaughter of a mobility scooter user who was found unresponsive in a Tesco car park.
Kimberley Ann Hawkins, 41, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to killing Neil Shadwick, 63, during a hearing at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday afternoon.
Mr Shadwick died following an incident in the car park of a Tesco superstore on Stratford Road, Stroud, on 22 January last year.
He was found unresponsive in the car park shortly before 6am and without his mobility scooter, which he used as his mode of transport. He died at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital the same day.
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An investigation found Hawkins rode away on the mobility scooter, leaving its owner in sub-zero temperatures, police said.
Detective Inspector Adam Stacey said: "Hawkins' sickening actions had tragically fatal consequences for a man whom she knew full well to be extremely vulnerable.
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"I welcome her guilty plea, which has meant that Mr Shadwick's family at least have not had to endure a lengthy trial in court.
"Our thoughts remain with his family at this very difficult time."
Sentencing is expected to take place in August.
Hawkins has been remanded in custody.