Man sentenced to hospital order after killing 42-year-old Thomas Murphy in Manchester

A 23-year-old man has been sentenced to an indefinite hospital order after stabbing Thomas Murphy (42) to death in a terraced house they shared in Fallowfield, Manchester last year.

Stephen Owusu (DOB: 07/04/00) of Beverly Road, Fallowfield, Manchester appeared Manchester Crown Court today (24 October 2023) after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

The sentence relates to an incident on 24 September 2022, when Owusu fatally stabbed Thomas Murphy at the house they shared. Thomas tragically passed away from his injuries leading to an investigation by GMP Major Incident Team.

Senior Investigating Officer Phil Reade of Greater Manchester Police Major Incident Team said: “Thomas Murphy was a completely innocent victim and the thoughts of the whole investigation team remain with his family, especially his two daughters and his parents. We understand the outcome today can in no way bring Thomas back and the impact of his death will stay with his loved ones forever.”

“Owusu pleaded to manslaughter by diminished responsibility, and this was accepted by the prosecution team.

“I would however like to thank the family of Thomas for their strength and dignity throughout these proceedings, the conclusion of which I know will not lessen their heartbreak.”