Man receives hospital order after taking the life of widower in attempt to break curse

James O’Connor, a man with schizophrenia, traveled nearly 500 miles to Glastonbury, England, where he stabbed 89-year-old Frederick Burge to death with a kitchen knife. O’Connor claimed he was directed by auditory hallucinations to free himself from a curse by killing Mr. Burge. He entered the elderly widower’s home and stabbed him nine times in the chest. O’Connor pleaded guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility and was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order at Broadmoor Hospital in Berkshire.

Mr. Burge, described as a much-loved family man who enjoyed speaking with his children, was living alone with his dog at the time of his death. His son and daughter, Kevin and Sylvia, expressed devastation over the loss of their father. Kevin’s victim impact statement revealed the deep pain and anger he felt towards O’Connor for taking away his father. O’Connor’s history included 16 previous convictions for various offenses, including drugs, violence, and assault dating back to 1995. He had a history of mental difficulties, including hearing voices and seeing auras.

During O’Connor’s sentencing hearing, it was revealed that he had displayed concerning behavior while in police custody, including preoccupation with ‘spiritual things,’ talking to himself, and making incongruent comments. Medical professionals at Broadmoor Hospital diagnosed him with schizophrenia, a condition that substantially impairs his ability to form rational judgments and exercise self-control. Judge Julian Lambert emphasized the brutal and devastating nature of O’Connor’s actions, noting the lasting impact on the Burge family who were left with a graphic image of their father’s demise.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Lambert highlighted O’Connor’s dangerousness and long-term risk to society due to his offending, recent behavior, and psychiatric condition. O’Connor’s belief in the need to free himself from a curse through violence led him to commit a heinous act that resulted in the tragic death of an innocent elderly man. The court recognized the profound loss experienced by the Burge family and the lasting impact of Mr. Burge’s untimely death. O’Connor’s indefinite hospital order at Broadmoor Hospital reflects the understanding of his mental illness and the need for treatment and management of his condition to protect both himself and others from further harm.