THE killer of a frail Quantock Hills pensioner has been sent to prison - more than two years since his crime shocked the community.

David Parish, now aged 38, bludgeoned to death 86-year-old Beryl Purdy, known as Bez, during a burglary of her home in Broomfield in March, 2023.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) earlier accepted Parish’s plea of guilty to manslaughter on the grounds that he was not fully responsible for his actions.

Parish, whose last address was given as Halyard Drive, Bridgwater, appeared in Bristol Crown Court for sentencing by High Court Judge Mr Justice Saini on Friday (May 23).

He was jailed for six years.

The court was told how Parish absconded a mental health unit in Taunton where he had been staying and went to a nearby barber to have his hair cut short and his beard shaved off before making his way to Broomfield.

Prosecutor Anna Vigars KC told the court how Parish had tried to pull a man from a car as he drove away from the car park in Fyne Court, a National Trust property just outside Broomfield, but did not manage to do so.

A short time later, Parish gained access Mrs Purdy’s home, where he attacked her with an umbrella and she died of her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Parish was arrested by patrol officers three hours after the killing when they saw him walking along the verge of a local road.

He told them he was returning home after a day at work on a nearby farm and he gave the officers a false name.

Police dogs and a helicopter had been used in the search for him.

Psychiatric reports commissioned by the Crown and by Parish’s defence lawyer both concluded his mental state at the time of the killing meant he could not be considered to be fully aware of his actions.

Parish was initially sectioned to a secure mental facility in Devon, where he was later released into custody and charged.

The court was told Parish had been of previous good character and he did not know Mrs Purdy, who was a much-loved member of the Broomfield community and had been a church warden for 20 years before her death.

An investigation was launched by officers from the police’s Major Crime Investigation Team who worked hard to unpick the events of the day and overcome the complexities the case presented.

Following the sentencing, Mrs Purdy’s family said in a statement: “We would like to thank the police for their meticulous work in proving who was responsible for the brutal and fatal attack on our beloved wife, mother, and granny, Bez Purdy.

“We are serving a life sentence of torment knowing that we were unable to save Bez from her attacker and the outcome of sentencing today also means that her attacker avoids a life sentence.

“We would not wish our hell on any other family and urge for a review of how the community can be protected from people with severe mental health issues.”

Speaking after the sentence, DI Debbie Hatch said: “This was a deeply tragic incident in which Bez lost her life in the most distressing of circumstances inside her own home.

“Our thoughts remain first and foremost with her family and friends, who have shown great strength throughout what has been an incredibly difficult time.

“This case highlights the complex intersection between mental health and criminal justice.

“While the defendant’s illness does not excuse his actions, it has been recognised as a key factor in the tragic events which unfolded.

“I want to commend the investigation team, specialist medical professionals, and Crown Prosecution Service for their diligence and professionalism throughout this sensitive case.

“Most importantly, I want to pay tribute to Bez and the life she led.

“She was described by those who knew her as an incredibly caring lady and beloved by all who met her.

“Her death has left a profound void in the lives of many, and we hope today’s outcome provides at least a degree of closure to those mourning her loss.”