A man who stabbed a grandfather to death after hearing voices in his head that told him to kill someone or theyd take over his brain, has been sectioned under the mental health act.
David Fleet, 21, attacked Lewis Stone, 71, while the pensioner was out walking his dog near the Borth Wildlife Animal Kingdom in Mid Wales.
The judge said Mr Stone was at the wrong place at the wrong time, in what he described as a horrific event.
Swansea Crown court heard that the attacker was suffering from an episode of schizophrenia, when he repeatedly stabbed Mr Stone on the banks of the River Leri on February 28 this year, leaving him with injuries which led to his death three months later.
The court was told that Fleets brother had heard him talking to himself in his bedroom on the day of the attack, saying Ill be there now, before leaving and walking towards an amusement arcade in the village dressed in a hoodie.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Fleet was also described as having a history of mental illness but was being managed in the community.
Mr Stone was seen by neighbours leaving a holiday caravan park with his dog, Jock, around 9.20am, before eventually running into his attacker around 20 minutes later.
According to Terrence Williams, who was walking with two police officers near the incident at the time, he heard someone shouting Im being stabbed and saw Fleet scuffling with Mr Stone on the opposite bank of the River Leri.
As he rushed to the scene, Fleet stood up and stabbed Mr Stone while he lay on the floor, before running away from the scene.
He was pursued by Mr Williams and of the officers on Mr Williams quad bike.
After being caught by officers, Fleet said he didnt know what had happened and only ran because of the shouting.
To this day, no knife was ever recovered by police.
Mr Stone was comforted by Mr Williams wife and a policeman, before being rushed to the Royal Stoke Hospital, where he was given blood transfusions and underwent several operations over the following weeks.
However, he developed several infections during his treatment, including a chest infection and E. coli.
Advertisement
Advertisement
His condition continued to deteriorate further until he died on May 23, three months after the attack, leaving his wife Elizabeth, two daughters, two stepdaughters, four granddaughters, one grandson, and a great grandchild born in July.
Daughter Karina Waft said her father was an old fashioned gentleman who wouldnt hurt anyone. A very proud man.
Police 'failed to properly investigate death of boy, 3, that was actually murder'
Stepdaughter Victoria Lindsay said in statement: He was an amazing husband to mum, a fantastic granddad, and the man I wanted to walk me down aisle one day.
Fleet pleaded guilty on Monday to manslaughter and having an offensive weapon.
Three indeRead More – Source
