Terrence Dunkley detained for killing parents

http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-england-norfolk-15665032

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A man who stamped his elderly parents to death has been detained indefinitely under the Mental Health Act.

Arthur Dunkley, 83, and his wife, Marguerite, 80, died from multiple injuries inflicted at the family home in Lyng, Norfolk, in June 2005.

Terrence Dunkley, 59, who has schizophrenia, admitted two counts of manslaughter at Norwich Crown Court on the basis of diminished responsibility.

He was charged with murder in 2005 but a court ruled he was unfit to be tried.

Mr and Mrs Dunkley's bodies were discovered after a family member raised concerns with police.

Post-mortem tests found Dunkley had stamped on his parents and piled furniture on top of them.

Dunkley has been detained since the killings and was charged with manslaughter earlier this year after experts decided his condition had improved.

Prosecutors accepted his plea of manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility.

Dunkley, from Norwich, was handed an indefinite sentence under section 37 of the Mental Heath Act.

Speaking after the hearing, Det Insp Marie James, of the Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team, said: "This was a tragic event, and Arthur and Marguerite Dunkley's family and friends have had a very long wait to see this case concluded.

"Our sympathies remain with them and I hope that today's conviction will help bring some closure after six and a half years."