Mentally unwell man went to Asda, bought a knife then repeatedly stabbed a 'complete stranger', trial hears

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A mentally unwell man walked into Asda, bought a knife and then waited down a canal path before repeatedly stabbing a ‘complete stranger’, prosecutors allege.

Paul Hughes, 28, is accused of the killing of Michelle Hodgkinson who sadly died following an incident on June 2 2023. The 51-year-old was found with suspected stab injuries on Edge Lane, Droylsden.

She was sadly declared dead at the scene, despite the best efforts of emergency services, a trial heard. READ MORE: The criminals locked up in Greater Manchester this week Mr Hughes, of Droylsden, is accused of ‘unlawfully stabbing Ms Hodgkinson to death’.

Jurors were told that following a hearing on November 22, it was concluded that Mr Hughes was at the time of the attack, and currently is, suffering from schizophrenia. “After a thorough assessment he was found to be unfit to plead and stand trial,” prosecutor Rob Hall said. “This means he is not well enough to participate in the trial and on that charge of murder, there is no full trial.