Father-of-three killer sectioned

A mentally ill man who stabbed a father-of-three to death in front of his family has been sectioned indefinitely for manslaughter.

David Brown, 35, of Cox Way, Clevedon, Somerset, stabbed Christian Puttock after voices in his head told him the 34-year-old was a paedophile.

The attack took place as the family, were leaving their home in February to celebrate a birthday.

Brown was detained under the Mental Health Act at Bristol Crown Court.

'Terrible mistake'

Brown, who lived with his mother in Cox Way, denied being mentally ill and protested his innocence as Mr Justice Royce detained him.

The court heard how the diagnosed schizophrenic had used a 5.9 inch (15 cm) kitchen knife in the attack.

Defending counsel Ian Murphy said doctors' assessments found Brown, who had no criminal record, was schizophrenic, and "auditory hallucinations" would have prompted him to attack Mr Puttock.

Sentencing Brown, Mr Justice Royce said the defendant's beliefs about Mr Puttock were "completely and utterly without foundation".

He said: "Mr Puttock was a decent man, hard-working and much-loved by his family. It was a tragedy that his life was brought to such a cruel, violent and premature end.

"His family not only have to cope with his death but also have the horrible memory, as some of them saw it happen."

He added: "I make it clear that your beliefs about Mr Puttock are completely and utterly without foundation. You're a dangerous man."

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