The family of a Limerick man who was stabbed to death in Manchester say they are devastated at the sentence given to his killer.
42-year-old Thomas Murphy from Ballyagran was stabbed several times at a house on Beverly Road, Fallowfield, Manchester on September 24 last year.
On Tuesday, his housemate, 23-year-old Stephen Owusu, was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order at Manchester Crown Court. In August, he pleaded guilty, on the grounds of diminished responsibility, to the manslaughter of Mr Murphy, who was a father of two young daughters.
Members of Thomas Murphy’s family were in court for the sentencing hearing.
His brother Darragh, who delivered a victim impact statement by video link, said the family is devastated by the sentence, which he described as “lenient”. He said the family never got to see Thomas again after his death.
He added: “We feel hard done by.” In his victim impact statement, he described the close bond he shared with his late brother and said he has to pass the cemetery where he is buried daily.
Thomas worked in telecommunications in Manchester for many years but regularly returned to Ballyagran to visit his family. His two daughters also gave victim impact statements at the hearing.
After the sentencing, Senior Investigating Officer, Phil Reade, of the 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," said Officer Reade.
