In a tragic and harrowing case, Kimberley Ann Hawkins, 41, was sentenced to six years and six months in prison after she stole a vulnerable man’s mobility scooter and left him to die in freezing conditions. The incident occurred outside a Tesco superstore in Gloucestershire on January 22 of last year, leading to the untimely death of 63-year-old Neil Shadwick.
The Crime: A Horrific Sequence of Events
Neil Shadwick, a father of two and Parkinson’s sufferer, relied on his mobility scooter for transportation. On that fateful day, Hawkins, who was a regular visitor to Mr. Shadwick’s home since the end of 2021, exploited her familiarity with him. The court heard that she likely extracted money from Mr. Shadwick to support her drug habit.
On the day of the incident, CCTV footage captured Hawkins accompanying Mr. Shadwick to a shop and a cash point, where he attempted to withdraw money, likely under duress. When it became apparent that he could not withdraw any funds, the situation escalated.
The Fatal Act: Mobility Scooter Theft
Outside the Tesco superstore, Hawkins forcefully took Mr. Shadwick’s mobility scooter and sped away. As she did so, Mr. Shadwick desperately clung to the scooter, being dragged along the ground for up to a minute. Despite his efforts to hold on, Hawkins cruelly abandoned him, leaving him alone in sub-zero temperatures.
Tragic Outcome: Death in Freezing Conditions
Mr. Shadwick was discovered hours later, unresponsive in a car park on Stratford Road, Stroud, at 6 a.m. the following morning. He was rushed to the hospital, but tragically, he later died as a result of the extreme cold and the injuries he sustained during the ordeal.
The Verdict: Justice Served
At Gloucester Crown Court, Hawkins, who had no fixed address, previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter, aggravated vehicle taking, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The judge, Peter Blair KC, described the events leading to Mr. Shadwick’s death as “horrific.” He condemned Hawkins’ actions, noting that she was fully aware of Mr. Shadwick’s extreme vulnerability due to his severe Parkinson’s disease.
A Reflection on Vulnerability and Crime
This case serves as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by vulnerable individuals, particularly those with disabilities. Gloucestershire Police described Hawkins’ actions as “sickening,” emphasizing the need for stronger protections for the vulnerable in society. The tragic death of Neil Shadwick underscores the devastating consequences of exploitation and the importance of community vigilance to prevent such incidents in the future.
Conclusion
Kimberley Ann Hawkins’ sentencing brings a measure of justice to the family of Neil Shadwick, but the pain and loss they have endured are immeasurable. As society grapples with the issues of crime and vulnerability, this case stands as a sobering example of the need for compassion, vigilance, and the protection of those most at risk.