The mentally ill killer of Brighton man Gordon Stalker has been given an indefinite sentence.
Stephen Dunne, 41, of Chates Farm Road, in the Hanover area of Brighton, will be detained in a mental hospital having admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
Dunne stabbed Mr Stalker, 51, at the home that they used to share in Elm Grove, Brighton, in February.
At Lewes Crown Court, Dunne was given a hospital order “without limit of time” under the Mental Health Act.
Speaking from his home in Carlisle today, the victim’s father Ian Stalker said: “We have today been informed by Sussex Police that Stephen Dunne has pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
“We understand that he has been committed to a secure unit and is under the care of medical professionals.
“Gordon was a much-loved son and brother, and is missed by the whole family.
“We are obviously deeply upset that Gordon had to lose his life before Dunne got the help that he obviously needed, and we hold no malice towards him.
“We would like to thank Gordon’s friends in Brighton for their support and condolences.”
Detective Chief Inspector Trevor Bowles, of the Sussex Police Major Crime Branch, said: “Stephen Dunne has been convicted of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
“The court has heard about the depth of the illness which Dunne suffers from.
“The sentence passed today will not only serve to protect the public in the future, but will also ensure that this man who has a mental illness receives treatment over the years to come.
“What Stephen Dunne did to Gordon Stalker that morning in February this year was a violent and wicked act.
“He stabbed Gordon with a terrible ferocity.
“The thoughts of the investigation team who have worked on this tragic case are very much with the family and friends of Gordon.”
I am a psychiatric nurse doing research and want to find out more about this killing, specifically the months leading to the incident and wether the assailant was in the care of mental health services and was rhewre any history of drug abuse as i think those facts will serve to bring a better perspective to the tragedy.