In a tragic incident, Paul Hughes, 30, has been handed a hospital order after he stabbed 51-year-old Michelle Hodgkinson to death in broad daylight. The attack occurred in Droylsden, and Hughes had purchased the knife just 40 minutes prior to the assault.

On the day of the attack, Hughes was reported to be ‘lying in wait’ on a bridge on Edge Lane as Ms. Hodgkinson walked by on her way to meet her mother for coffee.

After the brutal stabbing, Hughes disposed of the knife over a nearby fence and returned home, where he was arrested a few hours later.

At Minshull Street Crown Court, a finding of fact trial concluded that Hughes had unlawfully killed Ms. Hodgkinson. It was noted that he was deemed unfit to stand trial due to paranoid schizophrenia.

Dr. Olivia Tappin, a psychiatrist at Ashworth High Security Hospital, provided expert testimony at the sentencing hearing. She indicated that Hughes was on a high dosage of Clozapine but had shown only slight improvement in his mental health.

Dr. Tappin expressed concerns about Hughes’s inability to acknowledge his mental illness and his lack of recollection of the events surrounding the attack. She mentioned the presence of prominent psychotic symptoms but found it challenging to assess his mental state.

She recommended a hospital order with restrictions instead of prison time, citing a serious risk to public safety. If Hughes's mental health improves, a medical tribunal will assess his readiness for community release.

Dr. Tappin confirmed that if Hughes became fit to plead, she would inform the Secretary of State, which could potentially lead to prosecution.

Hughes's barrister, Gordon Cole KC, made no submissions on his behalf during the hearing.

Judge Tina Landale paid tribute to Ms. Hodgkinson, saying, “Michelle was a much-loved mother, daughter, and grandma. Her family, who considered her a pillar of love and kindness, are devastated by her loss.”

She added that it appeared Hughes had randomly selected Ms. Hodgkinson as his victim.

The judge commended the police for their swift investigation, which led to Hughes's arrest within 13 hours of the stabbing.

Hughes received a Section 37 hospital order with Section 41 restrictions under the Mental Health Act 1983, ensuring he remains in a secure psychiatric facility until deemed fit for release by a mental health tribunal.

In a previous statement, Ms. Hodgkinson's family expressed their shock and grief, describing her as a loving and selfless person who contributed significantly to her community. They emphasized the impact of her loss on their lives.

Detective Chief Inspector Danny Lee from GMP’s Major Incident Team added, “Michelle’s death has left a void in her family, and nothing will fix the pain they are feeling. The impact of knife crime continues to affect our communities, and we are committed to tackling this issue."