Mentally ill man bought knives from Asda before butchering woman on canal towpath

A mentally ill man has been sentenced to a hospital order after a trial concluded he had killed a woman on a Tameside canal towpath in a brutal knife attack.

Thirty nine-year-old Paul Hughes was sentenced to the order 'with restrictions' after a trial has concluded at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester.

Hughes bought a pack of kitchen knives from Asda and waited down a canal path before he stabbed a stranger on June 2, 2023.  

The victim, who was later named as 51-year-old Michelle Hodgkinson, 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 the supermarket before getting the tram back to Droylsden.

A short time later at noon, he was captured 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  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.

Det  Chief Insp Danny Lee of Greater Manchester Police's (GMP) 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!”