Man sentenced to secure hospital after fatal New Haw stabbing
It's after an unprovoked attack last October
Last updated 27th Nov 2022
A man has been sentenced to a secure hospital after stabbing another man to death in New Haw in an unprovoked attack.
32 year old David Jacobs, of no fixed address, admitted to manslaughter at Guildford Crown Court after the killing of 42 year old Gary Hopkins on October 4 2021.
He was arrested the next day. During trial, the court heard how Jacobs was suffering from auditory hallucinations and delusional thoughts at the time of the stabbing.
He believed Hopkins was leading a conspiracy against him and had taken a knife to the scene.
He's now been handed a hospital order under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act.
Paying tribute, Mr Hopkins's family said: “It is hard to put into words how we as a family have felt since hearing that Gary was taken from us."
"There isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t think about him, and we still find it hard to believe we will never talk to or see him again. He had a heart of gold and would help anyone who asked.
“We remain devastated at the loss of Gary, who was a son, brother, father, nephew, and uncle. Nobody has the right to take someone else’s life and we will never forgive the man who took Gary away from us.”
Temporary Detective Superintendent Charlotte Rimmer, from Surrey Police, said:
“This tragic and unprovoked incident has left Gary’s family and friends devastated and our deepest sympathies are with them today."
“The attack took place within metres of Gary’s front door and was witnessed by some of his closest neighbours and friends.
“It’s important to recognise the bravery of members of his immediate community who rushed to Gary's aid and gave him CPR until the paramedics arrived on the scene.
"Some had witnessed the horrendous attack itself and I have no doubt this will stay with them for the rest of their lives.”