Teenager jailed for 21 years after murdering Paul Marsh in Atherton last year

A 17-year-old boy has been jailed for a minimum term of 21 years at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court today (Wednesday 8 May 2024).

Jordan Rance (27/11/2006) was found guilty of murder. At court, reporting restrictions against Rance due to his age were lifted by the judge, allowing him to now be named. 

At around 6.08pm on Friday 17 November 2023, we were called to reports of a man unconscious at a property on Samuel Street in Atherton.

Officers attended and found a 49-year-old man with a serious injury. Despite best efforts of the emergency services, Paul Marsh tragically passed away a short time later.

Our Major Incident Team launched a murder investigation and Rance, who was 16-years-old at the time, was charged with murder.

The victim and Rance had been at the address together, with others, when an argument commenced between the pair. The argument escalated and Rance was witnessed to lunge towards the victim with a knife stabbing him in the shoulder.

Rance and his friend immediately ran from the scene, whilst others at the address called for an ambulance and attempted first aid.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Higginson, of our Major Incident Team, said: “This is a tragic case in which a seemingly innocuous exchange has escalated and resulted in a loss of life. Our thoughts remain with Paul’s family at this time.

“We also have a young person going to prison for a long time. This case should serve as a stark reminder that carrying a knife is illegal and you could be jailed if you're found to be in possession of one.

"No good can come from carrying a knife and self-protection is not a reasonable excuse.”

You can report an incident of knife crime by calling 101 or talking to us via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk. Always dial 999 in an emergency.