Crazed killer mutilates mother's body after vicious attack

by Michael Penkman. Published Thu 06 Oct 2011 18:44

A man with severe mental health problems has been sentenced to an indefinite hospital order for killing his mother and mutilating her body.

Police described the scene that greeted them at the home of 51-year-old Bernadette Gallagher, whose eyes and lung were removed after the sickening attack, as one of the worst they have ever encountered.

Her son Kieran, 32, viciously attacked her with a knife at her home on Riverside, Bamber Bridge, after the pair had fallen out.

During the heated argument, the crazed killer, who has a history of mental illness, stabbed his mother multiple times.

After mutilating her body, Gallagher confessed to the crime in a phone call to his relatives, who were left to discover her body.

He was found guilty of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, and sentenced under section 37 of the mental health act when he appeared at Preston Crown Court.

DS Neil Esseen, from the Force Major Investigation Team, said: "Gallagher is an extremely ill, but dangerous individual, and this has been recognised by the sentence given by the court today.

“I am pleased that Gallagher will no longer present any danger to the public. This was a tragic crime in which Mrs Gallagher suffered some of the worst injuries I have seen. Our thoughts remain with her family at this difficult time."

Gallagher, of Whitworth Street, Manchester, has been detained indefinitely at a high security unit and cannot be released without the express permission from the secretary of state.