Family 'left without answers' after decision not to hold inquest into Limerick man's death

"We were told that we would get answers in an inquest," said the brother of the victim. "Now there is no answers."

Thomas Murphy, from Ballyagran, Co Limerick, was stabbed 34 times because of a row over a broken plate. Picture: Greater Manchester Police

The family of a Limerick man who was fatally stabbed 34 times in Manchester says it has been left without answers after a decision not to hold an inquest.

Thomas Murphy, 42, from Ballyagran, was stabbed several times at a house on Beverly Rd, Fallowfield, Manchester, on September 24, 2022.

Last October, his housemate, Stephen Owusu, 23, was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order at Manchester Crown Court. In August, he pleaded guilty, on the grounds of diminished responsibility, to the manslaughter of Mr Murphy, who was a father of two young daughters.

Manchester Crown Court heard how Mr Murphy was stabbed 34 times because of a row over a broken plate. Owusu thought Mr Murphy had deliberately broken the plate. After stabbing Mr Murphy, Owusu went to bed.

Members of Thomas Murphy’s family were in court for the sentencing hearing last October, including his daughters.

His brother Darragh says his family were told that any questions they had about Thomas’ death could be answered when the case went to inquest in Manchester.

However, the family has now been told that there will not be an inquest.

Darragh said: “We were told that we would get answers in an inquest. Now there is no answers.

Now a family has been left without answers about the death of their brother. We don’t understand it.” 

The Murphys are currently seeking legal advice from a UK-based legal team in the hope that they can have the decision reversed.

Thomas worked in telecommunications in Manchester for many years but regularly returned to Ballyagran to visit his family.

In his victim impact statement, read in court, Darragh said: “I’m struggling day to day, night to night. Every night when I close my eyes I think of everything. How alone Tom was as he died. How helpless he was dying. 

I think to myself, did he think of us, wishing we were there to save him?” 

Owusu can only be released from a secure unit following assessments from the British secretary of state for justice or a tribunal.

After the sentencing last October, senior investigating officer Phil Reade of Greater Manchester Police Major Incident Team said: “Thomas Murphy was a completely innocent victim and the thoughts of the whole investigation team remain with his family, especially his two daughters and his parents. 

"We understand the outcome today can in no way bring Thomas back and the impact of his death will stay with his loved ones forever.

“I would, however, like to thank the family of Thomas for their strength and dignity throughout these proceedings, the conclusion of which I know will not lessen their heartbreak.”