Rick Parker Detained in Secure Unit After Killing Mother Helen Harrison in Market Weighton
Rick Parker has been detained indefinitely in a secure mental health unit following his admission to killing his mother, Helen Harrison, at their residence in Aspen Close, Market Weighton, East Yorkshire. Ms Harrison, aged 59, was found deceased by police on 5 March 2023, having sustained stab wounds and strangulation.
Initially charged with murder, Parker's plea of manslaughter due to diminished responsibility was accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service last year. A subsequent hearing at Hull Crown Court resulted in a hospital order with restrictions for Parker, who has a diagnosis of schizophrenia.
The court was informed that Parker's behaviour had become increasingly erratic, with repeated attempts by his mother and sister to secure mental health support for him being unsuccessful. Prior to the incident, Parker had assaulted his stepfather, leading to the stepfather vacating the property over safety concerns.
On the day of the killing, Ms Harrison had called an ambulance to their home, hoping her son could be hospitalised for an assessment, stating he "didn't seem to be in touch with reality". However, the attending paramedics determined Parker possessed "mental capacity" and subsequently departed.
Minutes following the ambulance's departure, nearby residents reported hearing loud screaming and the front door being violently forced. Parker then dialled 999, reporting "there had been an accident" and declaring "it's definitely a body bag job". Upon the arrival of emergency services, Parker exhibited a calm demeanour, stating, "I didn't mean to do it."
A post-mortem examination revealed Ms Harrison had been strangled with sufficient force to cause unconsciousness, suffered a stab wound to the chest, and displayed injuries consistent with being beaten about the head.
Ms Harrison's partner submitted a victim impact statement, read in court, expressing profound loss and the destruction of their retirement plans. He stated, "The home we shared together feels empty without her. I miss her happy nature and the life we planned together. Nothing will ever replace Helen in my heart or life."
Judge John Thackray KC informed Parker that no sentence could rectify the damage caused. The judge acknowledged Parker's schizophrenia meant he was "devoid of any control over your actions" but emphasised, "The critical factor is the risk to the public. The risk you pose is best managed by the secure psychiatric system."
