Cornelius Tully, 50, admitted killing Michael Morris-Owens, 62, who was stabbed over 30 times with a bayonet in a random attack in the grounds of a St Mary’s cemetery in London
Cornelius Tully, 50, has admitted launching a brutal attack on victim Michael Morris-Owens, 62, as he sat on a bench in the cemetery of St Mary’s in Kensal Green, north-west London, on November 22 last year (
Image: Ben Cawthra/LNP)
A man has admitted killing a complete stranger by stabbing him more than 30 times with a bayonet in a random attack.
Cornelius Tully, 50, launched the brutal attack on victim Michael Morris-Owens, 62, as he sat on a bench in the cemetery of St Mary’s in Kensal Green, north-west London, on November 22 last year.
Tully, from Ealing, west London, appeared at the Old Bailey on Tuesday by video link from Three Bridges secure hospital.
He denied murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility and the plea was accepted by prosecutors because of his unspecified psychiatric condition.
Michael Morris-Owens, 62, (pictured) died after being stabbed by Cornelius Tully in a London cemetery
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Image:
PA)
At an earlier hearing prosecutor William Emlyn Jones said the attack began after Tully started a conversation with his victim before offering a hand, which was not shaken.
Tully approached Mr Morris-Owens and repeatedly stabbed him with the bayonet “to the point he stopped moving”.
Mr Emlyn Jones said the “somewhat macabre sight” of a shadow clutching a long blade was captured on CCTV moving against the wall of the chapel before Tully could be seen coming into view.
He then plunged the blade into Mr Morris-Owens’ stomach, who tried shoving him away and fleeing, but Tully gave chase.
He then inflicted a “great deal” more stab wounds were inflicted, it was said.
Judge Anthony Leonard adjourned sentencing to October 29.
Tully was remanded in custody until sentencing.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/man-admits-killing-stranger-cemetery-24979799
