CHARLES DAVISON FROM BARNSTAPLE MURDERS MOTHER VALERIE IN BRUTAL ATTACK

Charles Davison, a 39-year-old resident of Barnstaple, was convicted of the murder of his mother, Valerie Davison, in a tragic and violent incident that shocked the local community. The court proceedings revealed that the deadly assault was sparked by a heated argument between the two, centered around issues of drugs and money. During the confrontation, Davison physically assaulted Valerie, punching her repeatedly in the head and body. The violence escalated when he used a knife to stab her in the neck, an act that ultimately resulted in her death.

Following the attack, Davison left her body on a sofa inside her flat, covering it with a blanket. The grim discovery was made two weeks later when a care worker, conducting a routine visit, found Valerie’s lifeless body. The scene was a tragic reminder of the violence that had unfolded within the home.

Initially, Davison denied any involvement in his mother’s death, maintaining his innocence during the early stages of the trial. However, as proceedings continued, he changed his plea and admitted to the killing. He explained that the argument had been fueled by tensions over her inheritance of £75,000, which she had reportedly squandered quickly after receiving it. This financial dispute appeared to be a significant factor in the tragic events.

After the murder, Davison fled the scene and traveled to London. His actions there led to further complications when he was detained following a hoax bomb threat at Cannon Street Railway Station. The incident resulted in him being sectioned under the Mental Health Act, reflecting concerns about his mental state.

During police interviews, Davison made bizarre and unfounded claims, asserting that his mother was actually a Russian spy who had entered the country to replace her and conspire against the Queen. He alleged that she had been plotting against the monarchy, adding a surreal layer to the case. Despite these claims, evidence clearly indicated that Valerie was his biological mother, and the court found no basis for his assertions.

Throughout the trial, the court heard that Davison’s mental health was severely compromised. Diagnosed with schizophrenia, his mental health issues were considered to have diminished his culpability for the crime. The judge acknowledged that the killing was deliberate but not premeditated, leading to a life sentence with a minimum term of 19 years. The court emphasized that Davison was not in a sound state of mind at the time of the murder, and his legal team highlighted his need for psychiatric treatment, describing him as 'not himself' during the incident.