A THURROCK woman who killed her mother while suffering severe depression has walked from a court today (Friday, 1 April), released by a compassionate judge into the care of her family because she has 'been punished enough already'.

Judge Samantha Leigh, presided at a five day trial at Basildon Court Court earlier this year when Cheryl Banks, 60, was cleared of murdering her 89-year-old mother Winifred Grover by a jury, having earlier admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. Judge Leigh said she bore in mind all the 'tragic and exceptional' circumstances of the killing.

The judge could have issued a lengthy prison sentence – the options range up to a life sentence – but opted for an approach that would see Mrs Banks, who has been held in prison since killing her mother in June last year, released today after being given a two year jail sentence, suspended for 24 months.

The family of Mrs Banks, of Lenmore Avenue, Grays, was in court to hear defence counsel and barrister Tana Adkin submit a plea for leniency. Ms Adkin said: "Mrs Banks was of previous good character, we ask the court to take into account the description of her family and friends as a caring mother who has always worked hard – particularly for her mother.

"The concern was why somebody like Cheryl Banks with her good character would do something like this. This was caused by her mental health, and the belief that she was going to prison and that her mother would not be cared for properly. Her mother suffered dementia, and had health and mobility issues.

"It is clear that Mrs Banks and her mother were so close and Mrs Grover was increasingly dependent on Mrs Banks, who was under the belief that she was the only person that could care for her mother properly.

"There are unusual and significant, tragic and exceptional circumstances in this case."

Ms Adkin detailed how Mrs Banks had lost her job when the store where she worked closed, the isolation caused by covid and the fact her daughter Hanna had moved away.

She added: "She was normally stoic but it all got too much for her."

Ms Adkin continued: "We submit she should be given as much credit as possible for her plea of guilty and admission of what she had sone right from the time it happened.

"There is a low risk of reoffending and there were exceptional circumstances in this case.

"Her family stand by her. It is an advantage that her family sat through the trial, they could hear the real detail of what happened and what happened in Mrs Banks' mind.

"Her two brothers were in court for every day of the trial. Her daughter has stepped into her mother's shoes in planning care for her mother's release at some point, arrangements have been made so that she will go home but if she cannot cope she will be able to stay with members of her family.

"Provision is there to support her. Her family have love and want to support Mrs Banks. We hope that with her support she will become again the Mrs Banks they know and love."

That plea and the empathy of Mrs Banks' family, including husband Stephen, son Christopher and daughter Hannah clearly struck a chord with Judge Leigh who in her address to the court spoke of the affection and love that the family clearly retained for Mrs Banks despite what she had done.

"Looking back over what had happened, Judge Leigh said: "It is very clear to me that it all became too much for you, Not that you saw your mum as a burden but you were concentrating and hallucinating over matters that shouldn't have worried you.

"You were a loving mum and daughter, but you became obsessed with the thought you had committed a fraud. You got it into your head you were going to go into prison. That was compounded by your mother choking on a piece of toast.

"It became clear that while she was in hospital recovering her condition deteriorated, though there is no criticism of the care she received in hospital.

"She came out far frailer than then when she went in. That played on your mind, we know that from the logs you kept, that everything was above board regarding finance and the possibility of fraud, but it played on your mind.

"Your family did not know of your concern because your view and outlook on life was that you got on with life and don't complain. You were dealt with the cards you had and you got on with it.

"But your fears were not allayed, you were so worried you would go to prison and your muother would be left without a carer. You were the only person she recognised and you saw it as your only option to take your own life and your mother's life as well because of your overwhelming beliefs.

"It didn't help this was in covid, you were both highly vulnerable and you stuck to the rules. That isolation meant that you were not in contact with others who might have been able to put your fears into context and offer a reality check.

"I am satisfied your condition was such an overwhelming factor.

"You were a dedicated daughter and cared for your mother.

"In my view you have been punished enough. You have already served almost a year. You are not a risk to others,

"Making all the allowances I am sentencing you to 24 months in prison, suspended for 24 months.

"You are released today to the care of your family. You have to tell you family if you don't feel right, you have to tell them. I am pleased that all the statements have been made that the family have made provision for you.

"As long as you stay out of trouble, and I am pretty sure you will, you will be free of the threat of prison."

Mrs Banks was also handed a 90 day rehabilitation order.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Kevin Hughes, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "This has been a truly tragic case and my team and I have been left really saddened.

"Winifred Grover was an elderly woman who required constant care.

"At the time of Winifred's death, the jury found Cheryl Banks' mental state was such that she was not properly in control of her actions.

"Every part of this case has brought heartache for the family and I want to share my condolences, and those of my team, with them."

Nub News was on hand to offer extensive coverage of the trial and all the circumstances that led up to the killing. You can follow all the evidence and trial submission via the following links:

Court hears how daughter killed her mother.

Harrowing moments relived in court on audio and video.

Expert points to reasons behind daughter's state of mind as she killed mum.

Opinions vary as to mental health of woman who killed her mother.

Trial goes to fifth day.

Jury still undecided after afternoon of deliberation following summing up.