Man sectioned after fatally stabbing his uncle

A man who killed his uncle in a tragic incident in East Devon has been sentenced to a hospital order after pleading guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility.

Corin Harper-Davis, 37, of Hither Green, London, was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court on Tuesday 22 April following the death of his 63-year-old uncle, Jonathan Harper, in July 2023.

Mr Harper was found in cardiac arrest at a property in Brampford Speke on Wednesday 31 July. Despite the efforts of emergency services and medical professionals, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard that Harper-Davis, who had been suffering from a serious mental health condition, had experienced a significant deterioration in his mental wellbeing in the days leading up to the fatal attack. Medical evidence and witness accounts confirmed that he was undergoing a psychotic episode at the time.

Mr Harper, who had travelled to support his nephew, had spent the day shopping with him before Harper-Davis turned violent without warning, inflicting four stab wounds - one of which proved to be fatal.

Police arrested Harper-Davis shortly after at a nearby property. He had fled the scene following the attack.

Harper-Davis admitted to manslaughter by diminished responsibility on 30 January and has been held in a secure hospital since October 2024.

On Tuesday, Her Honour Judge Anna Richardson imposed a hospital order under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act, alongside a Section 41 restriction, meaning Harper-Davis will remain in hospital indefinitely unless released by a mental health tribunal.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Guy Biggar, from Devon and Cornwall Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said:

“This is a truly tragic case, and I would like to pass on my thanks and condolences to Jonathan’s partner and son, both of whom have shown real bravery and compassion at an incredibly difficult time.

“I would also like to thank those other members of the Harper family who supported our investigation from the outset and the members of the community in Brampford Speke who rushed to Jonathan’s aid and engaged with Corin until police units arrived.”