‘Voices’ told man to stab his own mum

Aman who stabbed his mum during a “psychotic episode” has been sentenced to 19 months. Samuel Jones attacked Julie Whittaker-Firth at the family home in Lybster, Caithness, last July 28.

He was pinned to the ground by his brother.

Jones, 29, was mentally ill at the time and stated before the stabbing: “I am sorry. I have got to do this.”

The first offender pleaded guilty at the High Court in Glasgow to assaulting her to her severe injury, permanent disfigurement and danger of her life.

Jones’ QC Kevin McCallum told yesterday’s sentencing: “There is no animosity with his mother who wants help for him.

“She doesn’t want the boy to be punished for want of a better phrase.”

Judge Lord Mulholland said: “This was a serious charge and I accept your responsibility was diminished.

“I accept you had a psychotic episode at the time as medical professionals also accept.

“The episode was likely brought on by consumption of cannabis ... it’s not good for you and poses a risk if there is a link between it and your psychotic episodes.

“You have served the equivalent of a two-year sentence and it may be that you will be released immediately.

“You have been a good father and have not been in trouble before so put this incident behind you and let’s see some positive contributions from you to life as a whole.”

Jones was put under supervision for a year upon his release from prison.

The court heard there had been concerns about him before the attack.

On the day of the crime he had a bath, dressed, then armed himself with a knife from the kitchen.

As relatives sat in the living room, he apologised and added: “They are telling me to kill you.”

He grabbed Miss Whittaker-Firth and struck her twice with the blade.

The victim yelled at her other son: “Stop him ... he has actually stabbed me.”

Jones’ brother leapt over a table and restrained him.

A sobbing Jones then said: “Please, you have to let me do this.”

His brother pleaded, saying it was “all in his head”.

Miss Whittaker-Firth’s injuries were described as potentially life threatening.

Jones faced an attempted murder allegation before prosecutors accepted a guilty plea to the reduced charge.

HIGH COURT: Samuel Jones was restrained by his brother after stabbing their mother.