An 83-year-old Hatfield man has received a suspended prison sentence after admitting offering morphine to three women, including a mother of two who died from morphine toxicity.
Jeffrey ‘Arthur’ Sutton, of Cotswolds, was sentenced at St Albans Crown Court on Friday 9 October to 26 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years.
He had previously pleaded guilty to three counts of offering to supply morphine to three different women, including 27-year-old Lily Gomes, from Hatfield.
Lily died in hospital on 18 February 2025, four days after falling unconscious at Sutton’s home. Sutton called an ambulance after being unable to wake her.
Police arrested him on 16 February 2025 on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs.
Detective Constable Andreea Stanoiu-Diaconu, who investigated the case, expressed her sympathy for Lily’s family, including her two young children. She said the case highlighted the dangers of misusing prescription medication and controlled drugs.
In a statement read to the court, Lily’s mother described her daughter as vulnerable and struggling with addiction. She said she believed that vulnerability had been exploited.
“The greatest loss of all is Lily herself. Two children have lost their mother. Two sisters have lost their sister. I have lost my daughter.”
She described the lasting grief the family faces and the loss of their hopes for a future together.
Anyone concerned about the illegal supply of drugs can contact police on 101, or provide information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Support and advice about drugs are available through Talk to Frank.
Source: Hertfordshire Constabulary