A MAN has handed an indefinite hospital order after killing his housemate over a broken plate.
Stephen Owusu, 23, stabbed Irishman Thomas Murphy 34 times at the terraced house they shared on Beverly Road in the Fallowfield area of Manchester.
Owusu mistakenly believed the 42-year-old, who had only lived at the property for two months, had broken his plate before leaving a piece of it under a sofa to taunt him.
The killer washed his bands and the knife before going to his bedroom, while Mr Murphy tragically passed away from his injuries.
Following the attack on September 24 last year, the father-of-two was laid to rest at Colmanswell Cemetery, Ballygran in his native Limerick.
"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," said Senior Investigating Officer Phil Reade of Greater Manchester Police.
'Amazing person'
Owusu was due to go on trial at Manchester Crown Court for Mr Murphy's murder in September.
However, he denied the charge and days before the trial was due to get underway, he pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
His plea was accepted by the prosecution following reports into his mental health.
At Manchester Crown Court on Tuesday, he was handed an indefinite hospital order, a sentence that has reportedly been criticised by Mr Murphy's brother.
Stephen Owusu pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility (Image: Greater Manchester Police)In a statement read to the court, one of Mr Murphy's daughters said the killing didn't make sense.
"My dad was an amazing person, the life and soul of the party and nobody ever had a bad word about him," reported the Manchester Evening News.
The statement added that his daughters were unable to see their father one last time at his funeral as his casket was closed 'because his face was unrecognisable'.
'Heartbreak'
Senior Investigating Officer Reade praised Mr Thomas' family for their 'strength and dignity' during the investigation.
"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," he said.
“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."
