Granddaughter Jailed for Fatal Stabbing of Grandad
Elizabeth Birtwistle, 32, with no fixed address, has been given an indeterminate hospital order at Preston Crown Court after killing her 75-year-old grandfather, Raymond Conlan.
Early Morning Horror in Longton
Police were called at 3:50am on March 6, 2020, to a serious assault at a home in Cedar Grove, Longton. Emergency crews found Mr Conlan with severe head and body injuries. Despite paramedics’ efforts, he tragically died at the scene.
A post mortem revealed the 75-year-old died from stab wounds.
Mental Health Crisis Led to Fatal Attack
Birtwistle was arrested on suspicion of murder before being detained under the Mental Health Act. Although initially charged with murder, prosecutors accepted a guilty plea to manslaughter after psychiatric experts confirmed she was in a psychotic state due to long-term mental illness at the time.
She will now be held indefinitely in a secure hospital under strict mental health supervision.
Police Pay Tribute to Victim’s Family
“This is a really tragic case where the defendant carried out a violent assault on the victim, her grandfather Raymond Conlan, leaving him with fatal injuries,” said Detective Inspector Mark Haworth-Oates of Lancashire Police.
“The manslaughter plea came after careful consideration of two psychiatric reports confirming her psychotic state.”
“I’d like to pay tribute to the dignified way Mr Conlan’s family have conducted themselves. No family should endure such pain, and our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time.”
