A Limerick man has said he is "totally bewildered with the system" after his brother's killer was sent to a mental health hospital in Britain instead of prison.
Thomas Murphy, 42, was stabbed to death by his housemate on the evening of Saturday 24 September 2022 on Beverly Road, Fallowfield in Manchester.
The defendant, 23-year-old Stephen Owusu, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility due to his mental health.
Following a sentencing hearing at Manchester Crown Court, Owusu received a hospital order under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act with Section 41 restrictions.
It means that while he will be sent to a mental health hospital rather than prison, he cannot be released except with the permission of the secretary of state for justice.
However, Thomas Murphy's brother, Darragh Murphy, said the family believe the sentence is too lenient.
He said: "It isn't a sentence, he could be out in ten, eight or seven years."
Mr Murphy added that the sentencing hearing focussed on the defendant's mental health.
He said: "It was about the risk to the public in future rather than the crime he committed.
"I'm totally bewildered with the system."
He said his brother, who was originally from Ballyagran, Co Limerick, was the father of two girls.
Thomas Murphy's marriage had broken up and after being in Ireland during Covid, he travelled back to live in Manchester where he worked in telecommunications to be with his daughters.
Manchester Crown Court heard how he was stabbed 34 times because of a row over a broken plate.
Owusu accused him of breaking the plate and leaving a piece of it around to taunt him.
An argument broke out and Owusu went to get a knife.
He came back in and Mr Murphy stood up to apologise, offering to buy him a new plate and asking him to calm down.
But Owusu, attacked him and then went to bed.
After the hearing, the detective in charge of the case paid tribute to Mr Murphy's family for their strength and dignity throughout the proceedings.
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."
