Son murder charge man dies, age 81

A pensioner charged with the murder of his disabled son has died in a hospice, police confirmed today.

Father Kevin O'Rourke, 81, who was believed to be suffering from cancer, was accused of killing 47-year-son Christopher at the home they shared in Crab Lane in Stafford.

He appeared at court last month and was remanded in custody for six weeks but the judge ordered he serve the time in a hospital wing at Birmingham's Winson Green prison because of his poor health.

He was listed for a plea hearing at Stafford Crown Court in April but died at St Mary's Hospital in the Selly Park area of Birmingham two weeks after being sent to prison.

Officers were called to the family home they shared on February 18 and forensic teams searched the property.

A pathologist from the Home Office conducted a post-mortem.

Christopher O'Rourke suffered from the rare genetic disease tuberous sclerosis, also known as Bourneville's disease.

It is an incurable condition which causes non-malignant tumours to grow in the brain, kidneys, heart, eyes, lungs and skin.

A combination of symptoms may include seizures, behavioural problems, skin abnormalities, lung and kidney disease. It affects one in 12,500 people.

Carol Evans, spokesman for Staffordshire police, said: "Kevin O'Rourke has sadly died.

"Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the death of his son Christopher O'Rourke. A file has been sent to HM Coroner."

Inquests into both deaths have been opened and adjourned.