Granddaughter Stabs Grandfather to Death in Tragic Psychotic Attack
Elizabeth Birtwistle, 32, with no fixed address, has been handed an indeterminate hospital order at Preston Crown Court after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of her 75-year-old grandfather, Raymond Conlan.
Fatal Early Morning Assault
Police rushed to a home on Cedar Grove, Longton, at 3.50am on March 6, 2020, following reports of a serious attack. Inside, officers found Mr Conlan with severe head and body injuries.
Paramedics tried to save him at the scene, but tragically, he died.
A Home Office post mortem confirmed death by stab wounds.
Mental Health Impacted Verdict
Birtwistle was initially arrested for murder but was later detained under the Mental Health Act. Following expert psychiatric assessments revealing she was in a psychotic state and suffering from long-term mental illness, prosecutors accepted a manslaughter plea.
She will now remain in secure hospital care indefinitely, under lifetime mental health supervision.
Police Pay Tribute to Victim’s Family
Detective Inspector Mark Haworth-Oates said: “This is a devastating case where the victim, Elizabeth’s grandfather Raymond, suffered fatal injuries in a violent assault. The manslaughter plea was accepted only after careful review of expert psychiatric evidence confirming her psychotic state.”
“Birtwistle will be detained in a secure hospital for an undetermined period and remain under supervision for life.”
“I’d also like to commend Raymond’s family for their dignity throughout this difficult case. Sadly, no verdict can lessen their tragic loss. My thoughts remain with them.”
