Hero Lee Knott Murdered After Helping Stranger in Wythenshawe
Tragic Stabbing on Royal Oak Road
At around 5.10pm on Tuesday 22 September 2020, emergency services rushed to reports of a stabbing on Royal Oak Road, Wythenshawe. 45-year-old Lee Knott was found injured and rushed to hospital but was sadly pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Killer Caught and Sentenced to Life
Police launched an immediate investigation. After extensive enquiries, Tony Robertson, of Atlow Drive, Wythenshawe, was arrested and charged. He pleaded guilty to murder and threatening a person with a blade in public.
On Friday 29 January 2021, manchester-crown-court/" title="Manchester Crown Court" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="787">Manchester Crown Court sentenced Robertson to life imprisonment, with a minimum of 20 years behind bars.
Lee’s Selfless Act Led to Deadly Attack
The court heard Lee had just got out of his van to let a couple threatened by Robertson climb in. As Lee walked home, Robertson shouted at him before suddenly running over and stabbing him multiple times, causing fatal wounds.
Senior Investigating Officer Duncan Thorpe said: “Lee was on his way home from work and selflessly allowed a man and woman who were being threatened to get in his van to keep them safe. Tragically, as he walked home, he was stabbed and killed.”
Family and Police Pay Tribute
GMP thanked the members of the public who tried to save Lee and those who came forward with crucial information during the investigation. Officer Thorpe added, “Robertson deserves to spend his time behind bars reflecting on his actions.”
Lee’s devastated family said: “Lee was a wonderful son, brother, father, and husband — a genuinely nice guy who spent much of his life helping others. The pain we feel at his senseless death is indescribable.”
“He died trying to help others, which is typical of his selfless nature. The man responsible has admitted his guilt and has been sentenced, but that does nothing to ease our grief. We are left to cherish our memories of Lee during this heartbreaking time.”
