Bury man admits stabbing disabled neighbour to death
Woman and mum attacked in February.
A Bury man who stabbed his disabled neighbour to death has admitted killing her and stabbing her frail 79-year-old mother on the day of his trial.
Oliver Faughey, 63, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Maylyn Couperthwaite, 52, at her home in Woodward Close in Bury after years of prolonged animosity'' towards his victim.
The victim's mother Audrey Couperthwaite, who herself was stabbed four times during the attack, spoke of how Faughey came running'' with a knife before plunging it into his two victims.
As he was arraigned on the charges at Manchester Crown Court, Mrs Couperthwaite - who uses a walking frame - broke down in tears when he admitted the manslaughter of her daughter.
The court heard that the Crown had accepted a plea to manslaughter on the grounds that Faughey's responsibility was diminished because of mental abnormality, namely that he was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia.
Faughey also pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent towards Mrs Couperthwaite.
At the short hearing, Mrs Justice Kathryn Thirlwall imposed an interim hospital order under the Mental Health Act to allow for further medical evidence to be obtained before she passes sentence.
Speaking afterwards, Mrs Couperthwaite, who was stabbed in her arm, stomach, bowel and chest, said that the defendant, who sat in the dock flanked by one of his barristers, deserves putting away for life''. She said:Every day has been emotional. I'm alright physically - but not mentally. She was not just my daughter she was my partner. I want as many people to know what happened and stop it from happening to anyone else.''
Mrs Couperthwaite, who lived only a few minutes' walk away from her daughter, who used a four-wheeled walking frame, said Faughey would shout at them in the street.
She said that he would stare at her and her daughter, and she had reported the matter to the housing association who managed the estate, Six Town Housing.
Fighting back tears she said: We had a hell of a life with that man, for five-and-a-half years. Nothing was done. I have lost count of how many times I reported it. I told them time and time again.''
She spoke of visiting her daughter on February 7 2016. I was just leaving to go home, I had been up to see her. I heard her shout... It's the last thing she said - 'mum he is coming' and he was coming running. I saw the knife. I said 'ring the police'. He brought me straight down.''
Mrs Couperthwaite, whose strength and fortitude'' was applauded by the judge, said that even after being stabbed she managed to take her mobile phone to call the emergency services.
I just lay there and then as he went out he stabbed me in my arm. That man deserves putting away for life. I'm quite happy with this (manslaughter plea) as in the long run this will be the best way. I think we have the best justice.''
During the short hearing Mrs Justice Thirlwall told the defendant: Oliver Faughey, you have pleaded guilty just before trial to two terrible offences, the killing of your neighbour Maylyn Couperthwaite and causing grievous bodily harm with intent to her mother.
It's a testament to her great strength and fortitude that she is here today. It's quite clear to me having read the papers there had been a prolonged animosity from you towards your neighbour and she was clearly frightened of you.''
She added: Whatever sentence I pass on you, you are going to be in custody for many years.'' In the interim period, Faughey will be placed at the medium secure unit at the Edenfield Centre at Prestwich Hospital.