A heartbreaking case unfolded at Birmingham Crown Court, where teacher couple Damion Thomas, 48, and Tamara Thomas, 45, are on trial for the gross negligence manslaughter and child cruelty of their 12-year-old son, Joshua Thomas.
Joshua, who was homeschooled, tragically died on December 10, 2022, at Birmingham Children’s Hospital after collapsing the previous day at their home in Kings Heath. The court heard that Joshua suffered from undiagnosed and untreated Type 1 diabetes, which led to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a potentially fatal condition requiring immediate medical attention.
Prosecutor Miranda Moore KC detailed how Joshua exhibited severe symptoms from early morning on December 9 but did not receive timely medical help. At 4 a.m., Joshua was so weak that he wet himself and was unable to walk downstairs. Despite this, his parents failed to seek urgent medical care. Joshua was later found with white lips, foam at his mouth, and faint breathing, prompting his mother to call emergency services at 12:43 p.m.
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The prosecution revealed that both parents were well aware of the warning signs and risks associated with diabetes. Damion Thomas himself lives with Type 1 diabetes, and both parents knew the symptoms Joshua exhibited were consistent with the disease. Despite this knowledge, Damion left the home to attend a meeting at 2 p.m., ignoring multiple calls from his wife about Joshua’s deteriorating condition.
The couple, who have seven children, are both qualified teachers with backgrounds in education and safeguarding, yet at the time of Joshua’s death, neither was fully employed.
Witnesses described Joshua as an active and bright boy involved in local sports clubs, making his sudden decline shocking to family and friends. Prosecutors highlighted that Joshua had shown signs of illness for two weeks prior, including lethargy, weight loss, and a craving for sweet drinks — all classic symptoms of untreated diabetes.
The court was told that the couple distrusted Birmingham Children’s Hospital and sought to avoid medical intervention, contributing to the neglect that led to Joshua’s death.
The trial is ongoing as the jury considers the evidence surrounding this tragic loss.