A father on trial for manslaughter testifies that he believed his 12-year-old son suffered from a common cold or winter bug before the boy collapsed and died from untreated Type 1 diabetes.
Tragic Death of Joshua Thomas
Joshua Thomas lost consciousness at his family’s home on Yarningale Road in Kings Heath on December 9, 2022, and passed away the next morning at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. The boy developed diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening complication from undiagnosed and untreated Type 1 diabetes, according to evidence presented at Birmingham Crown Court.
Joshua’s parents, Damion Thomas, 48, and Tamara Thomas, 45, both qualified teachers, face charges of gross negligence manslaughter and child cruelty. They deny the allegations. The couple had six other children, four younger than Joshua, whom they homeschooled.
Father’s Testimony
Damion Thomas, diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 40, described Joshua as his “right arm” and “an absolute blessing.” He noted the boy’s talent for science, leading to extra Saturday tuition, and how Joshua helped with household tasks amid a busy home life.
The family home underwent renovations, leaving the upstairs bathroom unusable. They installed a downstairs bathroom and provided jugs from a discount store for nighttime use.
Damion first noticed Joshua’s illness when the boy skipped training at Sparkhill Harriers running club. “His other siblings weren’t too well,” Damion testified. “Okay, is he coming down with what they had? A cold or a winter bug.” Family policy required isolation for ill members to prevent spread.
Joshua appeared to improve, resuming chatter and banter with siblings. He continued eating but lost some weight. Damion advised more fluids, attributing symptoms to bike rides in cold weather. “Winter bug, come down with something he just needs to wrap up and rest,” he said. No excessive urination was noted, and Joshua showed no typical diabetes symptoms.
Events Leading to Collapse
On the evening of December 8, Joshua relapsed after pushing himself too soon. Damion offered drinks, which he refused. At 4 a.m. on December 9, Damion heard shuffling outside his bedroom, guided his half-asleep son back to bed, and later found him under covers with urine in a jug.
“I was concerned but not in terms of I need to phone 999,” Damion stated. “He improved, he’s relapsed. Okay we’re going to have to monitor this. I thought it maybe the flu.” He informed his wife, deeming it non-emergent, and let Joshua rest past 6:30 a.m.
Damion, on a phased return to work from stress-related leave at Solihull Academy, observed classes in Castle Bromwich. Tamara was to update him on any changes, but classroom rules prevented phone use, causing missed calls.
At 12:38 p.m., Tamara called, composed, instructing on child care as she planned to take Joshua to hospital. A second call revealed escalation, with repeated mentions of police. En route home, a builder flagged Damion down, praying for his son.
Joshua had already departed with his mother. He suffered cardiac arrest, severe brain damage, and doctors deemed his death inevitable at 1:38 a.m. on December 10.
The trial continues.
