Son who stabbed mother to death in family home handed hospital order
A son who stabbed his mother to death in their family home and assaulted his stepfather has been handed an indefinite hospital order at court.
Rick Parker attacked his mother, Helen Harrison, at their family home in Market Weighton in March 2023.
He was given the indefinite order at Hull Crown Court on Friday (May 22) after admitting manslaughter at an earlier hearing in March 2026.
The 42-year-old, also admitted to causing actual bodily harm to his stepfather in connection with a separate incident just a month before the killing.
Detective Superintendent Nicola Burnett, of Humberside Police, said: “This was a tragic and senseless killing that has left a family utterly heartbroken by the loss of their loved one in truly horrific circumstances.
“They have been through a harrowing tribulation, and my thoughts remain with them at this incredibly difficult time.
“This has been a challenging and complex investigation, and I’d like to thank the investigation team for their unwavering commitment and dedication.”
Parker, of Aspen Close in Market Weighton, was assessed by a number of psychiatrists who concluded he was mentally unwell, making him unfit to enter a plea in connection with the charges of murder and actual bodily harm.
A fact-finding trial was held in 2024 for a jury to establish whether Parker had committed the acts which killed his mother and injured his stepfather.
The jury found he had caused the death of his mother on March 5, 2023, and injured his stepfather on February 19, 2023.
A statement from Humberside Police said: “Following the trial, the judge imposed a restricted hospital order on Parker where he has since remained in a secure hospital facility.
“Parker has continued to be assessed by professionals throughout his hospital order and based on medical evidence, in July 2025 it was determined by the court that Parker was fit to stand trial as part of criminal proceedings.
“Parker was originally charged with murder however following medical assessments, it was deemed he had diminished responsibility at the time of the offence, and the offence of manslaughter was accepted instead.”