Tamara Thomas, 46, was jailed for three years and nine months at Birmingham Crown Court after being found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter in the death of her 12-year-old son Joshua. She broke down in tears in the dock, but her decision to sack her lawyers and not give evidence during the trial surprised many.
Joshua's death and trial
Joshua died from untreated and undiagnosed Type 1 diabetes on December 10, 2022, after falling unconscious at home in Kings Heath. Tamara had been homeschooling her other dependent children while watching over him. Her husband Damion, 46, a former teacher at Solihull Academy, was convicted of child cruelty and sentenced to two years and nine months. He gave lengthy evidence at trial, but Tamara chose not to testify.
Sentencing hearing
At sentencing on June 19, Justice Cutts noted Tamara had 'disposed' of her barristers and solicitors and wished to represent herself. She broke down as the prosecution summarized the case but composed herself to make lengthy submissions from the back of the court. She argued for a suspended sentence, citing her love for her son and her actions after his collapse, including calling 999 and giving CPR.
Impact on family
The couple's dependent children have been placed into care, with family court proceedings ruling they could return home in summer under local authority supervision. Tamara, who was unknowingly pregnant at the time of Joshua's death, had her latest child taken from her care after 11 days. She said the separation 'weighs heavily on me'.
Sentence and reaction
Justice Cutts ruled immediate custody was justified, sentencing Tamara to three years and nine months and Damion to two years and nine months. Six of the 12 jurors attended the hearing, with one leaving in tears. Tamara nodded in apparent acceptance as she was led to the cells.
