A Bury man has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering his mother in what police described as a “drug-induced violent attack”.

Stephen Ball, 32, was initially arrested on suspicion of assault on Saturday, September 16, 2023, after police attended Suzanne Galvin’s home in Bury and found her unconscious with visible blood and numerous bruises, a court heard. court.

Ms Galvin died from her injuries two days later and a subsequent investigation by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) found marks on her skin similar to the tread on Ball’s sneakers, although he denied any stake.

Ball, of Pear Avenue, was found guilty of murder at Bolton Crown Court on Friday and sentenced to a minimum of 15 years in prison.

At trial, the court heard that shortly before 20:00 BST on 16 September 2023, a disturbance was reported at the defendant’s mother’s address, and a man was heard shouting at his mother to leave him enter.

Shortly after, Ball called his grandmother, who lives in Ireland, and told her that he had returned to the apartment and found his mother injured and having trouble breathing.

He told her that her mother’s wrist was broken and that she had bruises on her eyes and shoulder.

He asked his grandson to bring the phone closer to his daughter and heard that her breathing was erratic.

The court heard how Ball’s grandmother asked him to call an ambulance but he said he couldn’t because he had no credit on his phone.

She then asked her grandson to take his mother to the hospital, but he told her that Mrs. Galvin did not want to go and would go in the morning.

When police responded to the scene after receiving a report of a disturbance, Ball was still there and officers described his accounts of how Ms. Galvin suffered her injuries as “conflicting.”

After his arrest, a pair of Ball’s sneakers that had been confiscated by police was found to have the same pattern as some of the marks on his mother’s skin.

Senior investigating officer Duncan Thorpe said: “Firstly, our thoughts and prayers remain with Mary, Suzanne’s mother and Stephen’s grandmother, who has lost her daughter in the most terrible circumstances.

“This was a violent and sustained drug-induced assault on a lady who was completely innocent.

“Whatever sentence was imposed today, unfortunately it will not bring Suzanne back.”

He said violence against women and girls remained a priority for GMP and they would do everything in their power to ensure those who committed these crimes were brought to justice.