Horrifying case of elderly abuse lawyer who left own mother to die

Most people want the best for their elderly parents, but that’s not the case for one lady in the United Kingdom.

In a horrifying report by The Sun, an elderly abuse lawyer has been jailed after her mother was left to die in her own filth. According to the report, 41-year-old Emma-Jane Kurtz left her 79-year-old mother rotting in her own faeces and urine.

Cecily’s clothes hadn’t been changed in more than a decade and was found by paramedics slumped on a stained couch in a Blackwater home in Oxon. The Oxford Crown Court heard how Cecily’s hands, feet and face were covered in faeces, while urine burns were discovered on her upper legs and lower back. Judge Peter Ross also explained how Cecily’s once-white underwear were a deep brown because of the stains and how her trousers tore apart easily when health professionals attempted to assist Cecily.

“The state of Cecily Kurtz’s body in July 2014 looked like a photographed scene from the end of the Second World War in one of the concentration camps,” Judge Ross told the court.

It is believed Emma-Jane had been in the same from with her mother up to four times a day, meaning she could have easily helped her mother out of the distressing situation. It is thought the neglect went on for years, given the state the room and Cecily’s body was found in.

The report states Emma-Jane has a mild form of autism, but was still handed a two-and-a-half year sentence for wilful neglect. She denied not helping her mother and providing her with the proper care. Worryingly, Emma-Jane specialises in fighting for vulnerable and elderly people in society.

Read more: New research into elder abuse ‘could help combat growing issue’

Elder abuse continues to be a growing issue in society, taking form both physically and mentally. According to the Elder Abuse Prevent Unit, abuse typically occurs when there is an imbalance of power between two people. In most cases, the dominant person is known to the person being abused, meaning abuse tends to happen within a relationship of trust. Emotional, psychological, financial, physical, sexual abuse or neglect are all considered forms of abuse.

In Australia, as many as one in 10 older Australians experience abuse in older age. There is help available, with the Elder Abuse Helpline available in all major states and territories across the country. In Queensland, call 1300 651 192. For New South Wales, dial 1800 628 881.

Canberra’s number is 02 6242 5060, while Victorians can call 1300 368 821. The number for Tasmania is 03 6237 0047 and South Australians can call 08 8232 5377. The number for the Northern Territory is 1800 037 072 and Western Australia’s is 1300 724 679.

What do you think needs to be done to stop abuse?