Corin Harper-Davis, a 37-year-old man from Hither Green in London, has been sentenced to a hospital order after stabbing his uncle to death in the quiet South West village of Brampford Speke. The incident took place last summer, resulting in the death of Jonathan Harper, a 63-year-old retired teacher from Kent.
Harper-Davis, who was found in a state of cardiac arrest at a property in the village, will be detained in a secure hospital under the Mental Health Act. His decline in mental health was noted in the days leading up to the incident, leading to his admission of manslaughter by diminished responsibility at Exeter Crown Court earlier this year.
The court learned that Harper-Davis was experiencing a psychotic illness at the time of the attack, despite his uncle’s efforts to help and support him. He has been sentenced to a hospital order under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act, with a Section 41 restriction, and has been residing in a secure hospital since October 2024.
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During an evening when Harper-Davis and his uncle had been shopping, he suddenly became aggressive without warning, ultimately leading to the fatal stabbing. Detective Inspector Guy Biggar expressed his condolences to the victim’s family and gratitude to the community members who supported the investigation and aided the victim before the authorities arrived.
