Man who stabbed his grandfather cleared of murder

Ashley Francis had extreme paranoia, Norwich Crown Court heard

A man who killed his 81-year-old grandfather has been found not guilty of murder on the grounds of insanity.

Ashley Francis stabbed Mervyn Moulton in the neck in Hockwold, near Thetford, Norfolk, on 29 February last year.

Jurors unanimously accepted evidence that he was suffering a significant mental illness at the time of the attack.

The 27-year-old, of Whittington Hill in Whittington, near King's Lynn, showed no emotion as the jury returned its verdict and is due to be sentenced in May.

Norwich Crown Court was told Mr Francis was close to his grandparents and would often stay with them at their home in Hockwold.

In the weeks leading up to the stabbing, Mr Francis was unable to sleep and had extreme paranoia.

Although he had been prescribed medication to control symptoms, he was, by his own admission, inconsistent in taking it.

Special verdict

On the day of the attack, Mr Francis was dropped off at his grandparents' house where he was psychotic and hearing voices, the court heard.

Shortly after, police were called to reports he had stabbed his grandfather in the neck in front of his grandmother using a knife he had brought from home.

Mr Moulton was taken to hospital but died from his injuries a week later.

Two psychiatrists gave evidence at Mr Francis's trial, who argued he was insane.

Both prosecution and defence counsels agreed, and having heard all the evidence and after deliberations, the jury delivered a unanimous verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity.

Verdicts in these cases are often referred to as "special verdicts".

"This has been a very sad and tragic case," said Det Supt Stuart Chapman from Norfolk Police.

"The evidence allowed the jury to reach this special verdict and my thoughts are with the family in what has been a very difficult time for them."

When a defendant is acquitted of murder by reason of insanity, courts can impose orders under the Mental Health Act.