Son murdered father then claimed he had fallen and was ‘asleep on the floor’

A man has been jailed for murdering his 73-year-old father after initially telling police he had fallen and been left asleep on the floor.

A court heard that, on December 22 2025, police received a call from from North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) in the early hours of the morning requiring assistance for a 73-year-old man who was unresponsive and not breathing.

Brian Smith, 33 from Wigton, initially explained his father’s, Stanley Smith 73 from Silloth, as the result of a fall.

Smith then told officers he left his father after his father fell asleep on the floor.

However, police launched an investigation and established Stanley had been subjected to “significant pressure to his neck, causing fatal injuries”.

CCTV footage also capture Stanley’s final movements before the events that led to his death.

Following a trial Smith was sentenced, at Carlisle Crown Court, on Friday, August 7,  to 17 years and 139 days in prison before being eligible for parole.

SIO Steven Byrne said: “Smith’s account of what happened to his father did not withstand scrutiny.

“While he claimed Stanley had simply fallen and was asleep on the floor, the evidence told a very different story.

“Our investigation established that Stanley died as a result of fatal pressure being applied to his neck. 

“Through careful forensic examination and detailed investigative work, we were able to build a compelling case which has now resulted in Smith being convicted of murder.

“This conviction reflects the hard work and determination of everyone involved in the investigation and ensures Smith is held accountable for his actions.”