Son of woman who was killed jailed for manslaughter

The son of a woman who was killed in her home in Madeley has been jailed for more than seven years for unlawful manslaughter today (Monday 20 May).

Finn Henry, 21, from Madeley, Newcastle-under-Lyme, attacked his mother, Suzanne Henry, 54, on 1 May last year inside their family home on Newcastle Road.

We were called to the area at 9.46pm after people saw Finn acting suspiciously in the street. He had blood on him and appeared to be under the influence of drugs. A neighbour, who knew the family, later found Suzanne badly injured inside her home and called 999. She had suffered significant trauma to her face and head.

Officers were quick to arrive at the scene and start investigating. Suzanne was rushed to hospital by paramedics but tragically died as a result of her injuries two days later (3 May 2023).

(above: Suzanne Henry)

Finn presented himself to officers at the scene shortly after the attack and was arrested. He was deemed not medically fit for interview until the following day.

Finn was subsequently charged with murder.

On 6 November, Finn appeared at Stafford Crown Court and pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. He was remanded before being sentenced to seven-years-and-four-months behind bars, with an extended sentence period of four years, at Northampton Crown Court today.

Detective Inspector Adrian Webb, from our Major Investigations Department, said: “The events on 1 May last year had an immeasurable and devastating impact on Suzanne’s family. They have shown dignity, resilience and strength in the most unimaginable ordeal and I’d like to offer my heartfelt condolences.

“This tragic case also caused a great deal of shock and concern in the local community and I would like to thank those who offered information and spoke to us across Madeley as part of this investigation. Everyone has played a vital role in gathering evidence, reassuring those affected and securing the conviction.

“Even though our investigation is complete, my thoughts, and the thoughts of my team that worked with Suzanne’s family, are still very much with them.”