TRAGIC BABY DROWNING IN TENBURY WELLS: LISA PASSEY AND WAYNE DALE FOUND GUILTY OF MANSLAUGHTER

In a heartbreaking case that unfolded in Tenbury Wells, the parents of a 13-month-old boy who tragically drowned in a bath have been convicted of manslaughter. The incident occurred on September 26, 2015, and has since drawn significant attention from the local community and legal authorities alike.

Lisa Passey, aged 28, and her former partner Wayne Dale, aged 45, were found guilty after a two-week trial at Worcester Crown Court. The court heard that the couple left their young children, including baby Kian Dale and a two-year-old sibling, unattended for a period of at least 13 minutes while they hosted a friend at their residence in Tenbury Wells. This neglect ultimately led to the tragic death of Kian, who was found submerged in the bath, with evidence suggesting he had drowned.

During the proceedings, the court was informed that Passey initially denied having run a bath that day, but her account was contradicted when she changed her story twice. Prosecutor Jonas Hankin QC detailed that Kian had drowned while his parents were engaged in social activities, including playing music and drinking coffee downstairs. Meanwhile, Wayne Dale was described as 'socialising, listening to music,' and using his computer at the time. The court was told that when Dale finally went upstairs to check on the children, he discovered Kian's lifeless body lying over the back of the bath seat, with his head and upper body immersed in the water.

Following the discovery, Passey contacted emergency services, informing the operator that her baby had 'drowned in the bath.' The court heard that Dale told police he had only left his son for 'a couple of minutes,' having spent time outside smoking and burning a CD. A post-mortem examination confirmed that Kian's death was consistent with drowning, with the presence of soap bubbles in his lungs indicating he had been submerged in soapy water.

Throughout the trial, the court observed that the couple had since separated and sat apart in the dock without exchanging words. Judge Robert Juckes, QC, addressed the defendants, initially considering remanding them into custody but ultimately granting bail to allow for pre-sentence reports to be prepared. Both Passey and Dale are scheduled for sentencing on April 25.

It was also revealed that Wayne Dale, a father of seven, had a lengthy criminal history, with 14 previous convictions for 38 offences dating back to 1989, including a prior jail sentence for burglary. Rachel Brand QC, representing Passey, stated that she was only permitted supervised visits with her other two children and expressed her hope to communicate with them, acknowledging the potential for prolonged separation. Passey, who had cautions but no prior convictions or custody experience, had recently made temporary arrangements for accommodation following a flood at her house in Kyreside. The tragic case underscores the devastating consequences of neglect and the importance of vigilant supervision of young children in the community of Tenbury Wells.