An Ambridge man is likely to spend at least two years in jail for neglecting the care of his bed-ridden 72-year-old mother.

George W. Davies pleaded no contest to a charge of neglecting a care-dependent person in Beaver County Common Pleas Court yesterday as part of a plea agreement. The charge normally carries a sentence of up to 20 years.

Mark Serge, of the state attorney general's office, said that while the plea agreement included no guarantee on sentencing, he would be recommending a 22- to 36-month minimum. Judge John Dohanich requested a presentencing report and will hear more evidence at the time of the sentencing.

Mr. Davies' mother, Evelyn Delai, weighed 74 pounds and was caked in filth when she was taken to a hospital Dec. 31, 2004. Bed sores on her buttocks were so deep that bones were visible.

Ms. Delai died March 6 in a nursing home, of pneumonia and diabetes -- problems not related to the neglect. Mr. Davies had taken responsibility for her care the last eight years of her life.

The charge to which Mr. Davies pleaded was the most serious of those he faced.

First Published: December 10, 2005, 5:00 a.m.