Ashley Francis, of Whittington Hill, Whittington, Kings Lynn, acquitted of murder of grandfather in Hockwold

A man who killed his grandfather during a mental health episode has been acquitted of murder.

Ashley Francis, 27, stabbed his 81-year-old grandfather in the neck at his home in Main Street, Hockwold, while he was psychotic and hearing voices.

Jurors at Norwich Crown Court found Francis, of Whittington Hill, in Whittington, King’s Lynn, not guilty by reason of insanity after they accepted the evidence of two psychiatrists that he was suffering from a major mental illness.

The court heard Francis was close to his grandparents and often stayed with them in Hockwold.

In the weeks before the incident, Francis’ mental health issues, which he had been experiencing for several years, had worsened.

On February 29, 2024, he was dropped off by his mother at his grandparents’ house where he was due to meet with a mental health crisis team.

Shortly after, at about 8.50am, police were called to reports a man had been stabbed in the neck.

Francis carried out the attack in front of his grandmother using a knife he had brought from home.

His grandfather was taken to hospital where he had surgery, but later died on March 7, 2024.

Francis was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder, which was later upgraded to murder after his grandfather’s death.

The defendant was unable to sleep and had extreme paranoia due to his health issues, which distressed his family.

They were in the process of helping him work with the mental health crisis team towards diagnosis and treatment.

Although Francis had medication he was, by his own admission, ‘inconsistent’ in taking it.

He denied the allegation of murder and a defence of insanity was put forward. He has been on remand in a psychiatric hospital since.

During the trial, which started last Wednesday, evidence from the two psychiatrists was heard, who agreed Francis was insane at the time of the attack.

Both prosecution and defence counsels agreed.

Having heard all evidence and after deliberations, the jury delivered a unanimous ‘special verdict’ of ‘not guilty by reason of insanity.

A sentence date has been set for May 21.

Detective Superintendent Stuart Chapman said: “This has been a very sad and tragic case where evidence was heard of the major mental illness that Ashley Francis was suffering which led to such devastating consequences.

“The evidence allowed the jury to reach this special verdict and my thoughts are with the family in what has been a very difficult time for them.”