A murderer subjected his mum to a "sustained and violent physical assault", in an attack in which it is thought she was kicked or stamped on.
Stephen Ball, 32, was arrested on September 16 last year after his mum Suzanne Galvin was seriously injured at their shared flat on Pear Avenue in Bury.
Ms Galvin was taken to Salford Royal Hospital where she died aged 55 two days later.
When he was arrested, a pair of Ball’s trainers was seized and the tread pattern proved to be a match for some of the marks on his mum’s skin.
Ball was on trial at Bolton Crown Court accused of murder in October and was found guilty by the jury.
At the time, Honorary Recorder for Bolton Judge Martin Walsh told the jury that Ball would receive a life sentence.
Read more: Man found guilty of murder after killing his mum at their shared flat
Today, Friday, prosecutor, Brian Treadwell made no further comments to the court about the case.
Defending, Michael Brady told the court that Ball’s grandmother, Mary Galvin, effectively brought him up and they both had a “very strong bond”.
Mrs Galvin has visited Ball a number of times in Ashworth High Secure Hospital and has maintained their relationship.
Mr Brady said she hopes to visit him again before Christmas and that Ball maintains the love, trust and support from his family.
It was added that Ball had the “intention to cause serious harm and not kill” his mum and there “was a lack of premeditation”.
Mr Brady added that he hopes Ball can continue to receive the treatment that is helping him and that her appears to be improving in Ashworth and he is in the right place.
Read more: Bury man does not have diminished responsibility, doctor tells court
Judge Walsh addressed Ball, who appeared over video link, reminded him that his plea of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility was not accepted, resulting in a trial.
The jury heard conflicting evidence from two consultant psychiatrists, Dr Inti Qurashi and Dr Nikhil Khisty, who disagreed on the issue of whether at the time of the killing Ball was suffering from an abnormality of mental functioning.
Judge Walsh said: “Having heard the evidence of both psychiatrists, I am satisfied that you have suffered from a long-standing schizoaffective disorder which has been exacerbated by your longstanding voluntary misuse of illicit drugs and a failure to take prescribed medication.
“You are to be sentenced for the offence of murder.”
Read more: Doctor believes man had mental relapse prior to mums’ death
Ms Galvin died after suffering injuries to her head and neck with some bruises that were consistent with kicks or stamping by a foot.
Judge Walsh said: “She had been the victim of a sustained and violent physical assault.”
Judge Walsh sentenced Stephen Ball to life with a minimum term of 15 years to be served before his case can be considered for parole.
Following the sentencing, senior investigating officer, Duncan Thorpe said: “Firstly, our thoughts and prayers remain with Mary, Suzanne’s mum and Stephen’s grandmother, who has lost her daughter in the most terrible of circumstances.
"This was a drug-induced violent and sustained assault on a lady who was completely innocent.
"Whatever sentence was imposed today, sadly it will not bring Suzanne back.
“Violence against women and girls remains a priority for GMP and we will do everything in our power to ensure those who commit these offences are identified, charged and brought to justice.
“If you or someone you know has been the victim of assault, please don’t hesitate to contact us. You will be believed and we will investigate every complaint.”
GMP can be contacted on 101 or the Live Chat function at gmp.police.uk. In an emergency, always dial 999.
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