Son who admitted killing elderly mother to be released in six months

A man who admitted killing his 77-year-old mother by putting a pillow over her face while she slept has been sentenced to six years in prison but will be released in six months because of the time he has already spent in custody.

Barry Noone, 47, had denied murdering Una Noone but in October admitted to her manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility.

Una was found dead in bed at her home on Rathkeen Avenue in Cookstown with rosary beads in her hands on 19 June 2022.

Mr Noone had come home from London to look after his mother because of her ill health but because of Covid and the caring demands "he could not take anymore".

The judge said the case was "extremely distressing".

When the police found her dead in bed, her son told officers "I murdered her".

However, he later denied this.

In a victim impact statement, Una Noone's daughter Tracy said she "loves her brother who she misses every day".

She also said he was "my best friend and I will never understand or accept what he has done".

She added: "My mother didn't deserve to have her life ended in the way that it did. Even if she was not the easiest person to get along with.

"And in particular she didn't deserve to have her life ended at the hands of her son, someone she gave everything to.''

Mr Noone was sentenced to six years in total; half to be served in prison and the other half on licence.

However, he will be released in six months because he has already served around 2-and-a-half years in custody.

Detective Inspector Michelle Colhoun said: “Earlier this year, in October, Barry Noone pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility.

“Working in partnership with the Public Prosecution Service, Mr Noone has now been held accountable.

"At the same time, however, I’m deeply aware that Una’s family and loved ones are left to deal with unimaginable heartache and loss, and my thoughts are with them.”

She added: “This is the most tragic case of domestic homicide, in which an innocent woman’s life was taken.

“Sadly, domestic abuse can take many forms, from emotional to physical abuse. Abuse can happen over days or years, or can be a single act. It can affect anyone, irrespective of background, gender or age.

“In this case, an irreversible act of violence took the life of a 77-year-old woman.

“I’m keen to extend our message and I’m appealing to any victim of domestic abuse, whatever form it may take and whatever the circumstances, to please speak to us. We will listen to you and we’ll support you. Please contact us on 101, or in an emergency call 999.” Catch up with the latest UTV Live on ITVX

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