Man given indefinite hospital order after killing neighbour
Paul Wells died after being stabbed last June
A man from Highbridge, who killed his neighbour while mentally unwell, has been given an indefinite hospital order.
Richard Matthews was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court today, having pleaded guilty at a previous hearing to one count of manslaughter by diminished responsibility.
Paul Wells, 39, died after being stabbed by Matthews last June.
Mr Wells’ family, in a statement read out in court, described him as an ‘amazing’ man and said he is sorely missed.
They said: “(Paul had) a beautiful soul with friends all over the world. Paul was just the best – caring, so funny and very cheeky in the greatest way possible. We miss him very much.
“The loss is beyond words, Paul has an amazing family and words cannot express the pain and anguish our family and friends have endured.”
The court heard how Matthews, 45, had made a number of inaccurate allegations against Mr Wells' conduct leading up to the incident.
On the morning of the attack, concerns were raised about Matthews' wellbeing. Police attended his address in Edithmead Lane but there was no reply. A few hours later the ambulance and fire service made contact with him before leaving the area.
Later, at around 2.35pm, a 999 call was made by Matthews saying he had killed Mr Wells.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Mark Almond said: “Ultimately, this is a tragic case in which a man experiencing a psychotic episode has committed a horrendous and violent crime.
“Paul Wells was an innocent man who had his life cruelly cut short through no fault of his own; it’s clear having spoken with his friends and family how much he was loved.
“His family’s lives have been irreversibly changed by Richard Matthews’ actions. Our thoughts and sympathies continue to go out to them at this difficult time and specially trained officers continue to provide support.”