A MAN who killed a 63-year-old man in Devon has been given a hospital order.

Corin Harper-Davis, aged 37, of Hither Green, London, was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court on Tuesday, April 22 after he admitted the manslaughter of his uncle, Jonathan Harper, by diminished responsibility.

Mr Harper was found inside a property in Brampford Speke, on Wednesday, July 31, in cardiac arrest.

Despite the efforts of emergency services and medical professionals, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The court heard that there had been a steady decline in the mental health of Harper-Davis over a period of months, which declined significantly in the days before the incident.

Information gathered from witnesses and medical experts showed that Harper-Davis was experiencing a psychotic illness at the time he attacked his uncle, who had attended the property in Brampford Speke to provide him with help and to support him.

During the course of the evening, after Harper-Davis and the victim had been shopping, the defendant suddenly became aggressive, attacking his uncle without warning or provocation.

Mr Harper was later found to have sustained four stab wounds, one of which proved to be fatal.

Police were called and Harper-Davis was arrested at a nearby property, having run away from the scene of the attack.

Harper-Davis pleaded guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility at Exeter Crown Court on Thursday, January 30.

Her Honour Judge Anna Richardson today sentenced Harper-Davis to a hospital order, under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act, with a Section 41 restriction.

Harper-Davis will be detained in a secure hospital where he has been since October 2024.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Guy Biggar, from Devon and Cornwall Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said: ‘This is a truly tragic case, and I would like to pass on my thanks and condolences to Jonathan’s partner and son, both of whom have shown real bravery and compassion at an incredibly difficult time.

‘I would also like to thank those other members of the Harper family who supported our investigation from the outset and the members of the community in Brampford Speke who rushed to Jonathan’s aid and engaged with Corin until police units arrived.’

If you have been affected by crime, please visit victimcare-dc.org to access support services and information on your rights and how to navigate the criminal justice system.

You can also call Victim Support on 08 08 16 89 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.