Today the courts handed down a two year suspended sentence and 240 community service hours for Eleanor Joel and Jonathon Costen who were found guilty of ‘manslaughter by neglect’ of Evelyn Joel in January 2006. Evelyn Joel was a person with MS and was living with her daughter and daughter’s partner at the time of her death.
Evelyn Joel lived with her daughter and daughter’s partner in Enniscorty, Co. Wexford. When Evelyn Joel was brought to hospital in 2006 she was suffering from malnutrition and was unwashed. The daughter and partner had refused entrance to their home to social workers and family members in the lead up to Evelyn Joel’s death. The family were not known to MS Ireland.
In December 2012, Wexford Circuit Court found Eleanor Joel and Jonathon Costen guilty of the unlawful killing by neglect of Evelyn Joel. It was the first case of its kind in Ireland. Sentencing occurred today and the judge noted the mental and financial difficulties of both parties.
Ava Battles, Chief Executive of MS Ireland says the Society is dismayed at the level of neglect outlined in the case and is concerned about the way MS is being perceived currently,
“It is disheartening to read again details of the neglect Evelyn Joel needlessly suffered. It is an unfortunate coincidence that the sentencing has occurred only a few days after the ruling in the Marie Fleming assisted suicide case. Both cases portray a life with MS that is both very uncommon and negative.
Yes, for a small number of people life can be extremely difficult but for the vast majority a long and relatively comfortable life can be led. We have received many calls and emails from people with MS scared that life with the condition is impossible. Living with MS is very possible with the right support from family and friends, the services of organisations like MS Ireland and appropriate state services such as neurological and rehabilitation services and social welfare payments.
We applaud people like Marie Fleming for standing up for her rights and believe that neglect of any kind to someone with MS is unacceptable. However, a more balanced image of MS must be presented so people with MS live with hope not fear.”
Read more about the sentencing from The Irish Times today: http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2013/0304/breaking18.html
Read more about the verdict in 2012: http://www.rte.ie/news/2012/1207/357396-evelyn-joel-wexford/
The Big Question:
Has the recent media coverage of MS been accurate?
The media frenzy around Marie Fleming assist suicide case brought MS to the attention of the nation in recent weeks. Now with the Evelyn Joel case MS is again in the media. We have received many complaints and comments from people with MS on the way the media has portrayed MS. What is your opinion of the coverage?