Man who killed "loving" father given indefinite hospital order

Craig North was stabbed to death in January last year

Author: Charlotte Evans-YoungPublished 21st Mar 2023

A man has been given an indefinite hospital order following the death of a "loving and devoted father" in Tilbury.

Craig North was founded seriously injured in Feenan Highway shortly before 9.45pm on 2 January last year.

He was rushed to hospital after being founded by four members of the public with stab wounds to his chest. He died in hospital nine days later.

The police have said about two hours after Craig had been found injured, they received a call from a relative of Darnel Curtin reporting he had stabbed someone.

The 20-year-old was later charged with attempted murder and then, following Craig's death, murder.

Curtin denied the charge but was found guilty of manslaughter by diminished responsibility on 20 January at Basildon Crown Court.

Yesterday (Monday 20 March), he was given an indefinite hospital order.

Following the trial, Craig’s family said: "No result will ever bring back Craig to his family, Craig was our hero.

“He was a loving and devoted father, partner, son, brother, uncle, son in law and friend.

“He was loved by so many. He will always be in our hearts and never forgotten. You are our warrior.

“We will continue to remember him and his heroic actions”.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Julie Gowen said: “Craig’s death was a needless tragedy which has robbed his family of a much-loved man.

“I want to praise their courage and dignity throughout the investigation and the painful ordeal of a trial.

“No conviction will ever bring Craig back, but I hope this will help them to move forward.”

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