Man handed hospital order for stabbing a stranger to death in Droylsden
Paul Hughes bought a pack of knives from Asda, before attacking Michelle Hodgkinson
A man from Droylsden has been sentenced to a hospital order for stabbing a stranger to death on a canal towpath.
30-year-old Paul Hughes bought a pack of kitchen knives and waited by a canal before he stabbed a a 51-year-old woman, on 2 June 2023.
The victim, who was later named as Michelle Hodgkinson, sadly died at the scene, on Edge Lane in Droylsden despite the best efforts of emergency services and those who tried to give Michelle first aid at the scene.
Hughes was suffering from a schizophrenic attack at the time of the incident and still is suffering from Schizophrenia. He was deemed too mentally unwell to stand trial.
It was heard in court that Hughes, despite being unwell, carefully planned the attack by purchasing a four-piece kitchen knife set from a superstore in Tameside before getting the tram back to Droylsden.
A short time later at 12pm on 2 June, he was seen on CCTV walking towards the towpath near Ashton Canal before taking out the knives from the multi-pack and throwing away the other three knives and packaging.
Hughes appeared to be lying in wait and waiting for somebody to walk past him.
At the same time as Hughes was waiting, Michelle Hodgkinson walked past while on her way to meet her mother. He followed her and attacked her from behind, stabbing her multiple times.
The attack was captured as drivers came forward with dashcam footage of the incident along with statements from witnesses who were understandably traumatised by what they had seen. Their assistance ensured that detectives could piece together a strong case to take to court and Hughes was arrested on 3 June 2023 on suspicion of murder.
Detective Chief Inspector Danny Lee of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said:
“Michelle’s death has left a void in her family, and nothing will fix the pain they are feeling. I hope that they can gain some form of closure and justice from the sentence passed today.
“I’d like to thank the members of the public who rushed to Michelle’s side and the first responders, both paramedics and response police officers who also attended the scene to give CPR in an attempt to give her the best possible chance of life.
“It is a moment to recognise, however, the devastation knife crime causes in our communities. Across Greater Manchester, officers and staff are working hard to fight, prevent and reduce this type of crime.
In a previous tribute to Michelle, her family have said:
“Everyone who knows Michelle are still in utter shock at the attack she endured and how horrific her last moments were.
“Our Shelly B was the most amazing, loving, selfless and funny daughter, mother, mother-in-law, sister, auntie and most recently a nanna. It was a privilege to have been known and loved by her. She loved helping people in her community and was known for volunteering as an appropriate adult, her charity work and loved creating hampers to make people smile.
“She would be there for anyone and the day she was taken from us, she was doing just that - walking to meet her mum to take her shopping and to go for a coffee.
“Our family and friends are heartbroken. In one moment our world has crumbled and will never be the same. We will support each other, and we thank and appreciate the love and support shown by our family and friends. Please hold your loved ones close, tell them you love them and make memories.
“Words cannot describe how much she will be missed. Our biggest cheerleader, our confidant, our rock – she will never be forgotten. We love you to the moon and back!
"Love you forever and always!”