Siblings jailed for pushing food into mouth of sleeping man who choked to death

A brother and sister have been sentenced to a total of six years and three months after they were found guilty of manslaughter for feeding kebab meat to their intoxicated victim which caused him to choke to death.

 

David Noble, aged 34, of Main Street, Grange-Over–Sands was jailed for three years and three months and his sister Nicole Cavin, aged 24, of Market Street, Flookburgh, was jailed for three years today, Wednesday, June 9.

 

The brother and sister fed kebab meat to the intoxicated 56-

year-old victim, David Clark, on a train to Barrow on March 2, 2019.

 

The court heard how the siblings, who both knew the victim but had been returning from a seperate day out, ended up sitting together when the victim and his friend boarded the same train at Lancaster.

 

According to witnesses the victim appeared to be sleeping when the siblings began inserting the kebab meat into his mouth.

 

The victim eventually involuntary vomited and awoke but collapsed as he attempted to stand.

 

Cavin, who was employed as a carer at the time of the incident, removed some meat from the victim’s mouth.

 

When paramedics arrived they removed more food from the victim’s throat before he was rushed to hospital where he died the following day.

 

Investigating officer DS Gemma Jones said: “This is an incredibly tragic case and we send our heartfelt sympathies to the family of the victim David Clark.

 

“We are pleased that the case has finally been brought to a conclusion.”

 

Detective chief inspector Steve May added: “This was an unusual and highly complex legal case and I commend the courage of those witnesses who came forward and provided statements and those who attended court to give evidence.

 

“The dignity and composure of Mr Clarks’ family has been exemplary throughout and I hope that they can take some comfort in the knowledge that justice has been done.

 

“Our investigative team deserve mention for their consistent and thorough work to see this case brought to its conclusion.”

 

The family of David Clark released this tribute:

 

“We would like to ask that our family's privacy be respected at this time and for us to be allowed to come to terms with today’s verdict and to grieve and remember a much loved husband, father and brother in private."